Anchorage miniscrews: A histologic study of peri-implant soft tissue

Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate the different histologic reactions of peri-implant soft tissue to miniscrews used in various orthodontic indications in patients during the course of treatment. Material and methods: Our study focuses on patients receiving orthodontic treatment and in whom we placed anchorage miniscrews for various orthodontic indications. Twenty-eight miniscrews from the same manufacturer (Dual Top Anchor system (R), Korea) were studied. The soft tissue surrounding each miniscrew was sampled for histologic analysis. Results: All the peri-implant soft tissue samples displayed signs of inflammation. Each tissue sample exhibited either a moderately or highly inflamed surface epithelium and underlying connective tissue. Discussion and conclusion: The variations in tissue response shown by the different human biopsies could be greater than those observed in standardized conditions in animal experiments. Interpretations regarding tissue response on a small number of human biopsies should be made cautiously. Nevertheless, this histological information is invaluable in order to validate and confirm the animal model. (C) 2011 CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved