Comparison of histologic observation and insertional and removal torque values between titanium grade 2 and 4 microimplants

Kang, Sung Taek; Kwon, Oh Won; Sung, Jae Hyun; Kyung, Hee Moon; Park, Hyo Sang

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the light microscopic features and the maximum insertional and removal torque value of microimplants, made from titanium grade 2 or 4, in the tibia of 6 rabbits. First, the maximum torque values of microimplants at implantation were measured. After 2, 8, and 12 weeks of healing time, the microimplant-containing segments of tibia of 2 rabbits were removed and the maximum removal torque of each microimplant were measured. Comparisons of histologic examination and insertional and removal torque values were carried out for the two groups of microimplants. Removal torque values were significantly increased in both groups after 8 and 12 weeks as compared to 2 weeks after implantation. Other values measured did not show any statistically significant differences and there were no histological differences between grade 2 and 4 titanium. Based on these results, this study showed that there were no significant differences between grade 2 and 4 titanium. It seems better to use grade 4 titanium for making microimplants because grade 4 titanium is mechanically harder than grade 2 titanium and has similar retention.