Effect of Plasma of Argon Treated Implants on Bone Density: A Randomized, Controlled, Histomorphometric Study in Dogs

Background: Altering surface characteristics by increasing its energy and hydrophilicity will accelerate the interaction between cells and implant surface. Energy and hydrophilicity tend to disappear over a short time. The implant surface may be reactivated by the use of argon plasma Objective: To assess bone density at cleaned and activated titanium implants using argon plasma. Methods: Mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally in eight Beagle dogs. After three months, four implants, two treated with argon plasma (test; plasma) and two left without treatment (control), were randomly installed in one side of the mandible. Abutments were applied on the implants and a non-submerged healing was allowed. After one month, the same surgical procedures were adopted on the opposite side of the mandible. The animals were euthanized after one month and ground sections representing the healing after 1 and 2 months were obtained for histological examination. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between test and control sites (p < 0.05). After 1 month of healing, new bone was 32.5 ± 12.2% and 33.8 ± 8.8% at the plasma and control sites, respectively. After 2 months, the respective values were 50.8 ± 21.5% and 47.6 ± 15.6%. Conclusion: The treatment of the implant surface with argon plasma did not have a significant effect on bone density around implants.