The purpose of this study was to assess the addition of a ceramic coating upon a Vitallium implant to increase the implant's biologic acceptability in the oral environment. The mandibular premolar teeth in 9 adult beagle dogs were removed bilaterally and these areas allowed to heal for 6 weeks. Ceramic coating with either Al2O3 or ZrO2 was carried out by flame spray deposition upon Vitallium anchor implants (9 of each), and the implants placed into the 18 healed premolar areas. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was conducted by 2 independent investigators over a 32 week period. Implants which exhibited mobility greater than II on a scale of 0 to III, at intervals of one-half, were judged unsatisfactory. After 19 weeks, all 9 Al2O3 coated implants and 5 ZrO2 coated implants were rated unsatisfactory. After 32 weeks, 4 ZrO2 coated implants were in situ with 0 or I mobility. Radiographically the width of the peri-implant space increased in direct proportion to both time and mobility. Histologic sections demonstrated encapsulating dense fibrous connective tissue which was oriented parallel to both ZrO2 and Al2O3 implants. Results suggest the zirconia used is a superior ceramic coating to the alumina. Neither seemed to increase biologic acceptability over uncoated Vitallium implants.
Caries and pyorrhea: These are formidable diseases which constantly demand the attention of the dental profession in striving for their solution. Like any other organic diseases, the causes for either or both of these conditions are too obscure to allow any definite conclusions. Many factors are involved which may be regarded as direct or indirect causes for these diseases; these may be inherent from within the body or acquired from without due to extraneous influences. The fact that there is no dominant factor which may be held responsible for caries of the teeth or pyorrhea alveolaris makes it necessary to differentiate between contact decay or incomplete formation of the enamel of the tooth (such as deep fissures, etc.) and chemical decalcification of its entire structure. A differentiation must also be established between the recession of the alveolar border and suppurative degeneration of its investing tissues. It is important that further consideration be given the problem of how and when these conditions first occurred. Are they phenomena of recent or ancient times? If these degenerative changes in the masticatory apparatus of recent man are attributed to advanced civilization, what are the dominating factors accounting for some individuals of the present time going through life comparatively free from such disorders in spite of adverse influences. Conversely, what explanation have we for the diverse pathologic conditions in ancient man who was not subjected to the vicissitudes experienced by man of today. In this connection it is important that corollary evidence be introduced indicating the contrasting pathologic conditions and the incidence of dental disorders prevailing in ancient and modern man. The purpose here is to treat the far-reaching vital factors that have ultimately shaped the present human dental mechanism. 203 at The University of Iowa Libraries on June 1, 2015 For personal use only. No other uses without permission. jdr.sagepub.com Downloaded from
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