Comparison of submerged and nonsubmerged implants placed without flap reflection in the canine mandible

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the bone healing around submerged and nonsubmerged implants installed in a canine mandible model using a flapless technique.Study designBilateral, edentulated, flat alveolar ridges were created in the mandibles of 6 mongrel dogs. After 3 months of healing, 2 implants were placed in 1 side by either miniflap submerged or flapless nonsubmerged procedures. After healing for an additional 8 weeks, microcomputerized tomography at the implantation site was performed. Osseointegration was calculated as the percent of the implant surface in contact with bone. Bone height was measured in the peri-implant bone.ResultsThe mean osseointegration was greater (64.7%) in miniflap submerged sites than in the flapless nonsubmerged sites (56.8%; P < .05). The mean peri-implant bone height was greater (11.0 mm) in the miniflap submerged sites than in the flapless nonsubmerged sites (10.1 mm; P < .05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the submerged procedure was more effective than the nonsubmerged procedure in improving implant anchorage in the early phase after implant placement.