Objective: This study was conducted to investigate successive changes in bone and blood vessels surrounding anode TiO2 implants due to masticatory function. Materials and methods: Plastic and metal crowns were used as the superstructure. Implants were placed in the bilateral lower molar region of 4 Japanese macaques and kept nonfunctional for 12 weeks prior to fixing the superstructure, and making it functional. The animals were euthanized after 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Microvasculature corrosion cast specimens using acrylic resin injection methods were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: One week following the superstructure mounting, a very thin implant alveolar bone surrounding the implant was supported by a small amount of trabecular bone. Over time, the implant alveolar bone increased and thickened. From 4 to 8 weeks, the trabecular bone was mainly formed, and it was thicker on the metal crown side than on the plastic crown side. At 12 weeks, the trabecular bone had become arranged, thickened, and tabular, and appeared to be the same on both sides. Further, the microvasculature grew in the initial superstructure mounting stage, and was arranged with the formation of the trabecular bone and implant alveolar bone, after which the number of blood vessels gradually decreased. Conclusion: A vigorous bone-growth stage was initiated from 4 to 8 weeks after superstructure mounting. While bone tissue was stimulated by biomechanical stress, the implant alveolar bone thickened, and trabecular bone became thick and tabular. (The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture Grant-in-Aid No. 10671853, JAPAN)

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