Evaluating Effect Of Nanotubular Surface On Early Crestal Bone Remodeling

Peri-implant crestal bone loss during healing affects the implant prognosis.1 Nanotubular surface over titanium alloy has shown to increase the bone-implant contact.2 The present parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of nano-tubular implant surface on early crestal bone remodeling, over a period of 12 weeks, in non-submerged dental implants. Nanotubules were created over sandblasted acid-etched titanium surface and mechanical and animal testing was conducted. Clearance was obtained from Central licensing authority and institutional ethical committee to conduct the study. Partially edentulous participants were screened and randomly selected for the Test (nanotubular implant, NT; n=30) and Control (sandblasted acid-etched implants, SB; n=30) group. Implants were placed equi-crestally with healing abutments. Follow-up was done at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Digital radiographs were recorded at baseline and 12 weeks and analyzed via image analysis software. Implant survival was 100% for both groups at 12 weeks. One implant site was considered one statistical unit. After 12 weeks, the mean crestal bone loss (MCBL) was 1.2 mm for the SB group. For the test group, the MCBL was significantly lower at 0.70 mm (p<0.05). Non-submerged implant placement enables early loading and a single surgical procedure. Nanotubular implant surface is a novel and viable surface for titanium dental implants, demonstrating promising effects in osseointegration and early crestal bone remodeling in non-submerged implants.