Griffith University researchers investigated the biological process involved in healing after dental implant placements using imaging data from the Australian Synchrotron.
Dental implant placements often have lengthy healing periods and risks of other complications. The success of dental implant healing relies on bone tissue connecting with the surface of the implant in a process is known as osseointegration.
Osseointegration is dependent on tiny living cells that maintain the bone matrix, osteocyte lacunae. The arrangement of these cells allows the bone to adapt and remodel to dental implants.
The team comprising Dr Yuqing Mu, and Prof Dr Yin Xiao used the Micro-Computed Tomography beamline to generate high-resolution 3D images that revealed the structure of osteocyte lacunae around implants in animal bone tissue, during the osseointegration process.
“The MCT beamline can produce high resolution, three-dimensional images in micron size to visualise small things like osteocyte lacunae. It allowed researchers to see the healing between bone and the implant” explained Dr. Benedicta Arhatari, MCT beamline scientist.
By understanding the role of osteocyte lacunae in the healing process, scientists can improve design of implant surfaces and materials. This will improve the integration of dental implants, leading to better outcomes for patients.
“Researchers can take MCT images of several different implant material or surface roughness and see how the bone heals to decide which implant material and surface is best for bone healing” added Dr. Arhatari.
Read more on ANSTO website