A histologic comparison of the functional loading capacity of an occluded dense apatite implant and the natural dentition.

A histologic comparison of the functional loading capacity of an occluded dense apatite implant and the natural dentition at a ratio of one implant to three natural teeth was carried out on six monkeys. Single implants were placed in the maxillary left second molar and mandibular right second molar of each monkey. Four months later, the vertical dimension of occlusion was raised at the contacting areas between the implant and the connected first, second, and third opposing molar teeth by placing metal crowns on them. The three connected molars gradually intruded over time, whereas the supporting bone of the mandibular and maxillary implants showed no abnormalities and was able to bear the load because of thickening and remodeling of the surrounding bone.