The aim of this study is to compare the healing response of various Hydroxyapatite(HA) coated dental implants by Ion-Beam Assisted Deposition(IBAD) placed in the surgically created circumferential gap in dogs.

In four mongrel dogs, all mandibular premolars and the first molar were extracted. After an 8weeks healing period, six submerged type implants were placed and the circumferential cylindrical 2mm coronal defects around the implants were made surgically with customized step drills. Groups were divided into six groups : anodized surface, anodized surface with 150nm HA and heat treatment, anodized surface with 300nm HA and heat treatment, anodized surface with 150nm HA and no heat treatment, and anodized surface with 150nm HA, heat treatment and bone graft, anodized surface with bone graft. The dogs were sacrificed following 12 weeks healing period. Specimens were analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically.

During the healing period, healing was uneventful and implants were well maintained. Anodized surface with HA coating and 430℃ heat treatment showed an improved regenerative characteristics. Most of the gaps were filled with newly regenerated bone. The implant surface was covered with bone layer as base for intensive bone formation and remodeling. In case that graft the alloplastic material to the gaps, most of the coronal gaps were filled with newly formed bone and remaining graft particles. The bone-implant contact and bone density parameters showed similar results with the histological findings. The bone graft group presented the best bone-implant contact value which had statistical significance.

Within the scope of this study, nano-scale HA coated dental implants appeared to have significant effect on the development of new bone formation. And additional bone graft is an effective method in overcoming the gaps around the implants.