Calcification at the Interface Between Titanium Implants and Bone: Observation With Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Abstract

It has not been previously possible to observe bone formation in undecalcified sections with titanium implants at high magnification because of the difficulty in sectioning bone together with implants. A method for examining the bone-implant interface in undecalcified sections is described in which implants are left in situ and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is used to examine both the implant surface and adjacent bone. Pulsing of animals at different times with the fluorescent dyes calcein and alizarin red permitted assessment of temporal patterns of bone formation by CLSM. Reflectivity of the polished implant surface permitted accurate assessment of the position of the implant relative to labeled bone. The analysis showed that bone first formed as thin processes towards and across the implant surface, followed by further bone formation behind these processes. The interface between calcified bone tissue and the implant surface was characterized by a 10-microm space. The CLSM technique enabled detailed observations of new bone formation at the titanium implant interface.

Osteogenesis around CaP‐coated titanium implants visualized using 3D histology and micro‐computed tomography

“…High resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) techniques, like multiphoton fluorescence microscopy (MFM) could also have been chosen to analyze samples without sectioning. However, CLSM as well as MFM have limitations in penetration depth when using bone samples . Moy et al described optical histology prior to CLSM, but it has to be noted that such a technique is only applicable on soft tissue, and furthermore is partially destructive .…”

“…However, CLSM as well as MFM have limitations in penetration depth when using bone samples. [21][22][23] Moy et al described optical histology prior to CLSM, but it has to be noted that such a technique is only applicable on soft tissue, and furthermore is partially destructive. 24 On the other hand, 3D analysis and visualization combining the imaging modalities of micro-CT and histology was already shown to be applicable in multiple studies regarding bone morphology, which was the rationale for the current approach.…”

Post‐extraction mesio‐distal gap reduction assessment by confocal laser scanning microscopy – a clinical 3‐month follow‐up study

“…), the analysis of the osseointegration (Nishikawa et al. ) and even the visualization of cementocytes (Scivetti et al. ).…”

“…Confocal microscopy is being widely used in the field of dentistry (Garc ıa-Herraiz et al 2012b). Some examples include the study of the surface of enamel and dentin (Yamada & Watari 2003, Belli et al 2009, Brauchli et al 2011, the analysis of the osseointegration (Nishikawa et al 2006) and even the visualization of cementocytes (Scivetti et al 2007).…”

The dynamic interface: A review

“…The interface between calcified bone tissue and the implant surface was characterized by a 10 µm space. [18]…”