Bone apposition on implants coated with calcium phosphate by ion beam assisted deposition in oversized drilled sockets: a histologic and histometric analysis in dogs

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration of calcium phosphate (CaP)-coated implants by ion beam assisted deposition with a lack of primary stability. METHODS A total of 20 CaP-coated implants were bilaterally placed in the mandible of five dogs. In the rotational implant group, the implants were inserted in oversized drilled sockets without mechanical engagement, while the conventional surgical protocol was followed in the control group. Each group was allowed to heal for 4 and 8 weeks. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC, %) was measured by a histometric analysis. RESULTS All of the implants were well-maintained and healing was uneventful. In the histologic observation, all of the implants tested were successfully osseointegrated with a high level of BIC at both observation intervals. There was no significant difference in BIC among any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitation of this study, successful osseointegration of CaP-coated implants could be achieved in unfavorable conditions without primary stability.