MORPHOLOGY OF THE BONE THAT SUPPORTS ENDOSTEAL DENTAL IMPLANTS - TRANSMISSION ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC AND HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS

The morphologic features of the bone-dental implant interface were inv estigated using an in vivo dog model. The undecalcified bone and assoc iated support tissues were serially sectioned and examined with both c onventional and high voltage transmission electron microscopy. A varie d morphologic appearance of the tissues supporting clinically and radi ographically appearing integrated implants was observed. Osteoblasts w ere observed at the implant interface, and osteocytes were routinely s een encased within lacunae extremely close to the implant surface. Oft en these osteocytes extended cellular projections to the implant surfa ce. The variable tissue types observed were suggestive of healthy lame llar and appositional type mineralization patterns adjacent to the imp lants.