Bone Reactions to Hydroxyapatite-Coated Dental Implants in Humans: Histologic Study Using SEM, Light Microscopy, and Laser Scanning Microscopy

Two hydroxyapatite-coated IMZ implants, extracted for psychiatric reasons, were prepared using a cutting-grinding system and studied with scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning microscopy. The examination showed tissue integration with a very intimate bone-implant contact. Laser scanning showed the presence of a layer of dark staining material, resembling a reversal line of bone tissue, at the bone-implant interface, which could be the result of a film of organic material deposited on the bone and hydroxyapatite surfaces. Keywords: bone-implant interface, hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite-coated implants, laser scanning microscope