The Effect of Osteotomy Dimension on Implant Insertion Torque, Healing Mode, and Osseointegration Indicators: A Study in Dogs.

PURPOSE This study investigated the effect of the osteotomy diameter for implant placement torque and its effect on the osseointegration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight male beagle dogs received 48 implants (3.75 mm × 10 mm) in their right and left radius, 3 implants per side and allowed to heal for 3 weeks. Three experimental groups were evaluated. Group 1: implant with an undersized osteotomy of 3.0 mm; group 2: osteotomy of 3.25 mm, and group 3: osteotomy of 3.5 mm. The insertion torque was recorded for all implants. Histological sectioning and histometric analysis were performed evaluating bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO). RESULTS Implants of group 1 presented statistically higher insertion torque than those of groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.01). No differences in BIC or BAFO were observed between the groups. From a morphologic standpoint, substantial deviations in healing mode were observed between groups. CONCLUSION Based on the present methodology, the experimental alterations of surgical technic can be clinically used with no detrimental effect over the osseointegration process.