T. Masuda et al., GENERALIZATIONS REGARDING THE PROCESS AND PHENOMENON OF OSSEOINTEGRATION - PART I - IN-VIVO STUDIES, The International journal of oral and maxillofacial implants, 13(1), 1998, pp. 17-29
The clinical success of endosseous implants is associated with the for
mation and maintenance of bone at implant surfaces. Histologic analyse
s have indicated that bone formation at a variety of implant surfaces
is a continuous process that supports long-term functional integration
. Based on in vivo observations, several generalizations have been der
ived regarding the nature of the interface. Experimental descriptions
indicate that the implant-bone interface may be characterized in spati
al and temporal terms as discontinuous. Biomechanical tests of the bon
e associations with implants demonstrate that the chemical composition
and the surface topography of the implant influence the rate and exte
nt of bone formation at implant surfaces. The precise character and fu
nctional attributes of this interface are the focus of this investigat
ion. Many technical difficulties are associated with its structural an
d chemical characterization in vivo. Despite the technically difficult
nature of this type of analysis and the limitations of current histol
ogic examinations and biomechanical tests, in vivo models of osseointe
gration are necessary experimental tools for the continued empirical d
evelopment of clinical implant applications.