Implant Dentistry, cilt.15, sa.4, ss.412-419, 2006 (SCI-Expanded)
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is the investigation of the application of implant-supported prosthetic restorations using 2 implants supporting a fixed prosthesis during the physical growth and the development period of growing pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 6 male farm pigs (1 as a control). The effect of the 2 screw-type endosseous implants inserted into the premolar area on the left mandibular arches of 5 farm pigs upon the jaw was investigated during a 3.5-8-month growth period using cephalometric radiographs. The cephalographs were taken with a specially standardized cephalostat, and asignificant test of differences between 2 partners was used to evaluate them. RESULTS: The study suggested that the implants showed alveolar elevation by bone growth but could not keep pace with the natural teeth eruptions and the bone growth in the region. CONCLUSION: Although the sagittal and transverse developments of the neighboring bone region are greater than the implant-inserted region, the difference in this growth can be tolerated by corrections or modifications of implant-supported superstructures. © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.