Comparison of submerged and nonsubmerged implants placed without flap reflection in the canine mandible

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the bone healing around submerged and nonsubmerged implants installed in a canine mandible model using a flapless technique. Study design: Bilateral, edentulated, flat alveolar ridges were created in the mandibles of 6 mongrel dogs. After 3 months of healing, 2 implants were placed in 1 side by either miniflap submerged or flapless nonsubmerged procedures. After healing for an additional 8 weeks, microcomputerized tomography at the implantation site was performed. Osseointegration was calculated as the percent of the implant surface in contact with bone. Bone height was measured in the peri-implant bone. Results: The mean osseointegration was greater (64.7%) in miniflap submerged sites than in the flapless nonsubmerged sites (56.8%; P < .05). The mean peri-implant bone height was greater (11.0 mm) in the miniflap submerged sites than in the flapless nonsubmerged sites (10.1 mm; P < .05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the submerged procedure was more effective than the nonsubmerged procedure in improving implant anchorage in the early phase after implant placement.