OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different healing times before loading on the stability of implanted titanium mini-implant. STUDY DESIGN: Forty mini-implants were implanted in bilateral maxilla in 10 beagles, loaded with a force of 0.98 N after a delay of 0 day (immediately activated) and 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks. Microscopic computerized tomography (microCT) and pullout test were used for morphometric and biomechanical analyses, respectively. RESULTS: All microCT parameters and the F(max) of mini-implants were stimulated with the prolongation of healing time before loading. Between the group of 1 week and 3 weeks, a more obvious rising tendency of both microCT parameters and the F(max) of implants was observed. After 3 weeks, the tendency of increase tapered off. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that early loading may decrease osseointegration of mini-implants.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different healing times before loading on the stability of implanted titanium mini-implant. STUDY DESIGN: Forty mini-implants were implanted in bilateral maxilla in 10 beagles, loaded with a force of 0.98 N after a delay of 0 day (immediately activated) and 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks. Microscopic computerized tomography (microCT) and pullout test were used for morphometric and biomechanical analyses, respectively. RESULTS: All microCT parameters and the F(max) of mini-implants were stimulated with the prolongation of healing time before loading. Between the group of 1 week and 3 weeks, a more obvious rising tendency of both microCT parameters and the F(max) of implants was observed. After 3 weeks, the tendency of increase tapered off. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that early loading may decrease osseointegration of mini-implants.