Direct bone formation on sand-blasted titanium implants: an experimental study

Surface modifications of an implant have been demonstrated to be important in influencing the tissue reactions around the implant. Recently, osteoblasts have been shown to be capable of laying down a mineralized matrix in direct contact with the titanium surface. The aim of the present study was to analyse the early bone responses to titanium implants with an aluminium dioxide sand-blasted surface. Microscopical analysis showed that in the first week it was possible to observe the presence of mineralized bone in direct contact with the metal surface, while in other portions of the interface, osteoblasts were seen at the implant surface. These results were confirmed in the 2 and 4 wk observations. Our results could help to explain the increased removal torque forces reported in the literature concerning sand-blasted implants.