A review of histomorphometric analysis techniques for assessing implant-soft tissue interface

Abstract

The success of dental implant treatment depends on the healing of both hard and soft tissues. While osseointegration provides initial success, the biological seal of the peri-implant soft tissue is crucial for maintaining the long term success of implants. Most studies of the biological seal of peri-implant tissues are based on animal or monolayer cell culture models. To understand the mechanisms of soft tissue attachment and the factors affecting the integrity of the soft tissue around the implants, it is essential to obtain good quality histological sections for microscopic examination. The nature of the specimens, however, which consist of both metal implant and soft peri-implant tissues, poses difficulties in preparing the specimens for histomorphometric analysis of the implant-soft tissue interface. We review various methods that have been used for the implant-tissue interface investigation with particular focus on the soft tissue. The different methods are classified and the advantages and limitations of the different techniques are highlighted.

Key words::

• dental implants
• histomorphometric analysis
• interface
• soft tissue

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Prof. Luiz Salata for permission to visit the research laboratories and obtain pictures of ground sections in the Faculty of Dentistry, Ribeirao Preto campus, University of Sao Paulo. We also thank Dr. Kathryn Hurrel Gillingham for providing the SEM images of cells grown on titanium surfaces.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.