Quantitative bone remodelling resulting from the use of porous dental implants.

Histomorphometric analyses were used to quantitatively determine the patterns of bony ingrowth which resulted from the placement of porous-surfaced dental implants into the mandibles of Rhesus monkeys for up to 74 months utilizing a two-stage approach. Quantitative histopathologic evaluations were made using ground section microscopy. Implant stability resulting from bone remodelling and ingrowth occurred to varying degrees with all implants. Bone ingrowth occurred from medullary trabeculae and contact with the adjacent cortical plates. Quantitative histomorphometric analyses revealed that in only one case was the bone ingrowth into the available internal pores less than 45%. Minimal fibrous connective tissue ingrowth was observed in the implant crypts and was not thought to be due to micro-motion. The observed bone remodelling indicated a favorable prognosis for long-term implant performance.