[Concept and testing of the Tübingen immediate implant]. / Konzept und Prüfung des Tübinger Sofortimplantates.

This introductory communication deals with the functional-anatomical, biophysical and neurophysiological considerations which led to the construction of an aluminium oxide immediate implant from a stepped cylindrical body. This intra-osseous implant differs in essential constructional features from the implant shapes known up to now; it endeavours to make use of the architecture of the natural gingival fibre apparatus for the placing of the mucosal cuff. Its surface was maximalised towards the bone, leaving out surface structures which could produce pressure points. The enlargement of surface compared with the root of the corresponding natural tooth amounts to 65 to 100% varying according to the shape of the implant. Descriptions are given of the concept of testing experimental implants, the physical and chemical characterisation of surfaces, animal-experimental steps, clinical tests including legal problems posed and the control system created with the view to large scale clinical trials.

[Light and scanning electronmicroscopic studies of border surfaces of aluminum oxide-ceramic implants in the dog mandible]. / Lichtoptische und rasterelektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an der Grenzfläche von Implantaten aus Aluminiumoxid-Keramik im Unterkieferknochen von Hunden.

The mandibular bone of beagles as well as foxhounds and the border surfaces in the area of implants of dense Al2O3 ceramic were examined by scan electron microscope and optically in undecalcified preparations 4 and 6 months after the start of the experiment. All implants healed without foreign body or inflammatory reaction and exhibited a firm contact with the newly-formed surrounding osseous tissue. The border surface was always formed by osseous tissue and bone marrow and not by connective tissue. The bony border surface presented a casting of the structure proper of the ceramics as well as orderly remodelling. The tooth implants which had in part been under strain for a long time were surrounded by newly formed osteoid bone and supported by bone trabeculi. In the immediate proximity of the surface of the ceramic vital osteophites were found. The gum which was placed in a groove of the step implants showed firm epithelial covering and orderly fibrous texture.