Influence of nicotine on machined- and anodized-surface implants. Histometric analysis

Background The nicotine may generate a influence on bone repair and longevity of dental implants. This fact makes studies to improve the surface of the implants are constantly conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of subcutaneous nicotine injection in the osseointegration process on different implant surfaces, through histomorphometric analysis. Material and Methods Therefore, twenty-two male rabbits were randomly distributed into two groups according to the subcutaneous injections: (1) nicotine, 3 mg/day/kg and (2) 0.9% NaCI, 3 mL/day/kg, three times a day. Subgroups were then designated - machined and anodized dental implants were installed in the right and left tibia bones, respectively. The animals were subjected to euthanasia after periods of eight weeks for histomorphometric analysis. The bone samples with implants were removed and the routine histological processing was performed. Next, the images obtained from the blades were evaluated by the Image Tool™ software, assessing the osseointegrated areas of implants (BIC), in pixels. Data obtained were subjected to intergroup statistical analysis through the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test (α=5%). Results The test result showed no statistically significant difference among the groups studied (p=0.446). Conclusions Based on the methodology studied, it is concluded that the daily application of low doses of nicotine did not interfere with the osseointegration of machined and anodized implants. Key words:Bone-implant interface, implants, osseointegration.