Histomorphometric Comparison of 3 Osteotomy Techniques.

PURPOSE: This pilot study compares the histomorphometric structure of osteotomy preparation through standard extraction drilling (SD), Summers osteotomes (SO), and a new method of nonextraction drilling called osseodensification (OD).

METHOD AND MATERIALS: Fresh porcine tibia plateau was used as the surgical specimen. Three preparation methods (N = 6 for each) were used to prepare 18 osteotomies according to manufacturer protocols. Eighteen tapered screw-vent (4.7 × 13 mm) implants were placed. After osteotomy preparation and implant placement, all porcine tibias were placed in 10% formalin solution in preparation for histological staining and sectioning. Histomorphometric analysis of all samples was performed to compare immediate bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the percentage of bone volume within a 2-mm zone surrounding the implant.

RESULTS: OD achieved 60.3% BIC, SO 40.7% BIC, and standard extraction drilling (SD) 16.3% BIC. The percentage of bone volume in the surrounding 2-mm width from the implant body using the same area units per sample was found to be greatest for OD.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that osteotomy preparation can influence both BIC and percentage of bone volume around the implant.