Piezoelectric osteotomy for the placement of titanium implants in rabbits: histomorphometry study

Objective: To evaluate bone remodeling around dental implants inserted into recipient sites prepared using either the piezoelectric or the conventional drilling technique. Material and Methods: Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits (4 months, 2.70 kg) received dental implants (3.3 mm diameter and 6 mm length) on the medial surface of the tibia and were divided into 3 groups (n = 8). Group I was euthanized at 7 days; group II, at 14; and group III, at 28 days. Each animal received four implants, two in the right and two in the left tibia (96 implants were installed). Each tibia was operated by the same technique, and there are therefore neighbor's implants installed by different techniques. Histomorphometric parameters were used: the volume occupied by trabecular bone around the implants (BV/TV), media thickness, separation and number of trabeculae around the loops, and the contact area (interface) directly between the bone and implant (BIC). Results: BV/TV was similar for both techniques (P = 0.291). Reduction in trabecular thickness was observed for both techniques (P < 0.05), but then returned to prior levels, with no significant difference between techniques (P = 0.217). Trabecular number increased from day 7 to day 14 (P < 0.001) and remained constant afterward for both techniques. No difference in BIC was observed between techniques on day 28 (P = 0.961). Conclusions: Piezoelectric osteotomy allowed bone formation for osseointegration of titanium implants, was not associated with bone necrosis, and provided results similar to those of the conventional technique. The piezoelectric technique can be considered a viable alternative in dental implantology.