IN-VIVO TESTING OF AN EXPERIMENTAL ENDOSSEOUS IMPLANT DESIGN

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test a new implant system wi th apically expanding, double-hinged wing stabilizers in dogs before h uman testing. Methods: Twenty-seven HA-coated endosseous implants were placed in five dog mandibles, The implants were placed into function for 12-weeks after a 12-week healing period, At the end of this period , the implants were evaluated clinically and radiographically, The ani mals then were killed, allowing for the implants to be evaluated mecha nically and histologically. Results: After the initial healing period, 24 of 27 implants demonstrated osseointegration. Seven of eight impla nts restored with acrylic resin-fixed partial dentures were stable aft er the 12-week period of function, However, 17 of 27 implants failed t o satisfactorily deploy the apical wing stabilizer system. Conclusion: This new implant system has a number of design flaws that must be add ressed before testing in humans.