Effects of drilling process in stability of micro-implants used for the orthodontic anchorage

Kim, Jong Wan; Chang, Young Il

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate experimentally the mechanical and histological effect of drilling process on the stability of micro-implant used for the orthodontic anchorage. For this purpose, 32 micro-implants(Osas(R), Epoch medical, theta 1.6 mm) were inserted into maxilla, mandible and palate in two beagle dogs. 16 micro-implants(8 per dog) were inserted after drilling with pilot drilling bur (drill method group). 16 micro-implants(8 per dog) were inserted without drilling (drill-free method group). After 1 week, micro-implants were loaded by means of Ni-Ti coil spring (Ni-Ti springs-extension(R), Ormco) with 200-300 gm force. Following 12 weeks, the micro-implants and the surrounding bone were removed. Before sacrifice, the mobilities were tested with Periotest(R)(Siemens). Undecalcified serial sections with the long axis were made and the histologic evaluations were done. The results of this study were as follow; 1. The osseointegration was found in both of drill-free method group and drill method group 2. Two of drill method group and one of drill-free method group in 32 micro-implants were lost after loading. 3. The mobilities of drill-free method group were less than drill method group 4. The bone contact on surface of micro-implants in drill-free method group was more than drill method group but there was no significant difference between groups. 5. The bone density in threads of micro-implants in drill-free method group was more than drill method group and there was significant difference between groups. These results suggest that drill-free method in insertion of micro-implants is superior to drill method on the stabilities, bone remodeling and osseointegrations under early loading.