The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on the osseointegration of titanium dental implants

Our aim was to record the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the osseointegration of endosseous dental implants in 10 New Zealand rabbits. One titanium implant with screw was inserted into the metaphyseal region of each femur and tibia in the knee joints of each rabbit, making a total of 40 implants. The area of one lateral knee joint, including implants, was irradiated with LIPUS for 10 min twice a day for 21 days. The other side acted as control, having been given sham irradiation. Two rabbits were killed at each of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after irradiation. A micro-computed tomogram (mu CT), histological examination, and implant pull-out test were used to judge the reactions of the bone to the titanium implant. Histological and mu CT examinations showed that osseointegration of the implants on the LIPUS-treated side happened earlier and more effectively than on the control side. The mechanical test showed that the maximal axial pull-out strength of the implants on the LIPUS-treated side was greater than that on the control side. We conclude that LIPUS has the potential to accelerate the osseointegration of dental implants. (C) 2011 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.