The bone-implant interface - nanoscale analysis of clinically retrieved dental implants

In-depth analysis of bone tissue interfacing nanostructured implants retrieved from a human subject after 47 months in vivo revealed a hierarchical organization and nano-osseointegration. Bone formed within the implant threads is arranged in a concentric lamellar pattern and osteocytes are found close to the surface with canaliculi extending toward the surface oxide. Transmission electron microscopy shows a functionally graded interface with mineralized collagen fibrils laid parallel to the implant surface and bone apatite penetrating into the nanoscale irregularities of the surface oxide layer.229