EVALUATION OF 3 DIFFERENT DENTAL IMPLANTS IN LIGATURE-INDUCED PERI-IMPLANTITIS IN THE BEAGLE DOG .1. CLINICAL-EVALUATION

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate experimental peri -implant breakdown. Hydroxyapatite-coated, titanium plasma-sprayed, an d machined titanium-alloy surfaces were investigated. Eighty-four impl ants were placed in 14 beagle dogs. Pocket probing depths and clinical attachment level and mobility measurements were made. Dogs were sacri ficed at 3 and 6 months. All experimental implants showed a significan t loss in clinical attachment level (P < .05). Increased pocket probin g depths for experimental implants occurred during the first 2 months, after which a plateau was reached. At the 3- and 6-month evaluation, pocket probing depths at experimental implants were significantly incr eased (P < .05). No differences among the three implant types were not ed for clinical attachment levels and pocket probing depths. In genera l, greater mobility was found with the titanium-alloy implants than wi th hydroxyapatite-coated and titanium plasma-sprayed implants (P < .02 5). In addition, mobility measurements were significantly greater for experimental titanium-alloy implants during the first 3 months (P < .0 5). Clinical attachment level measurements were most sensitive to peri -implant status. All implants were equally susceptible to ligature-ind uced peri-implant breakdown. Consequently, meticulous oral hygiene and regular maintenance care are prerequisites for successful implantolog y.