The bone interface to implanted biomaterials (both orthopaedic and dental implants) is the critical component for initial fixation of these uncemented biomedical devices. The mechanism of osteogenesis at the biomaterial surface after surgical placement is critical to understand to enhance osseointegration , and thereby implant success. The purpose of this paper is to report comprehensive and correlative electron and light microscopic observations from a five-year study involving the bone interface to 120 implants placed into 30 adult animals.

As a model system to evaluate bone and associated tissue interfaces to implanted biomaterials, 120 endosteal dental implants were placed into the mandibles of 30 adult mongrel dogs. Premolars were extracted and the sites were allowed to heal for 2 months prior to implantation. Surgery employed low speed drilling, copious internal and external irrigation and followed manufacturer recommendations for these commercially available implants.