Griffith University researchers have investigated the biological process involved in healing after dental implant placements using imaging data from The Australian Synchrotron.
Dental implant placements often have lengthy healing periods and risks of other complications. The success of dental implant healing relies on bone tissue connecting with the surface of the implant (osseointegration).
Osseointegration is dependent on tiny living cells that maintain the bone matrix known as osteocyte lacunae. The arrangement of these cells allows the bone to adapt and remodel to dental implants.
The team used the micro-computed tomography beamline to generate high-resolution 3D images that revealed the structure of osteocyte lacunae around implants in animal bone tissue during the osseointegration process.
“The MCT beamline can produce high resolution, three-dimensional images in micron size to visualise small things like osteocyte lacunae,” MCT beamline scientist Dr Benedicta Arhatari said.
“It allowed researchers to see the healing between bone and the implant.”
Implant samples in animals were exposed to synchrotron X-rays and rotated to collect projection data from multiple angles. The data from the MCT beamline was then reconstructed into 3D images using advanced software.
The MCT beamline is also able to produce phase contrast imaging. Phase contrast captures subtle variations in X-ray bending as they pass through a sample. This is very useful to visualise internal structures with low density like osteocyte lacunae.
In labs, it may take 12 to 13 hours to get these types of 3D images but, “the MCT beamline is able to produce these high-resolution images in just 10 minutes due to the brightness of the synchrotron beam”, Dr Arhatari said.
By understanding the role of osteocyte lacunae in the healing process, scientists can improve the design of implant surfaces and materials. This will improve the integration of dental implants, leading to better outcomes for patients.
