The interface mechanical characteristics and histology of CP titanium and hydroxylapatite (HA)-coated titanium were investigated. The HA-coated system developed five to eight times the mean interface strength of the uncoated, bead-blasted CP titanium system. Histologic evaluations in all cases revealed mineralization of interface bone directly onto the HA coated implant surface, becoming part of the implant composite system. The uncoated implants had a thin fibrous interpositional layer present in most areas, with projections of bone in apposition to the implant surface in a limited number of locations. The results of this study indicate that the HA-coated titanium system may be attractive for use in endosseous dental implant applications.