122 Theories and techniques of oral implantology

the blade down to its inferior border, and one on the lingual face down to the implant's inferior border (Fig. 4-83).

The bone completely covered the superior surface of both shoulders and had to be removed with a round bur.

When the blade was removed, there were two plugs of bone firmly affixed inside the vents (Fig. 4-84). The pathologic report of Edmund Cataldo, D.D.S., M.S., of the Department of Oral Pathology, Tufts University, Boston, follows:

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: Decalcification sec-

tions show two irregular and fragmented masses of bone with marrow and fibrous connective tissue.

The bone appears normal in configuration and evidence of osteoblastic activity is noted. A granular black foreign material evoking a foreign body giant cell reaction is noted in the connective tissue and marrow spaces. Also noted in the connective tissue is a mild to moderate chronic inflammatory infiltrate consisting of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and histiocytes. In examining all tissue sections, a small fragment of stratified squamous epithelium was noted in proximity to bone.

MICROSCOPIC, DIAGNOSIS: Bone reveals chronic

inflammation and a foreign body reaction.

The report was satisfactory except for the evidence of inflammatory foreign body reaction and

Fig. 4-82. The soft tissues around a blade implant successfully functioning for 9 months appear to be firm and healthy. (Courtesy R. Buhite.)

Fig. 4-83. Three incisions were necessary to free the firmly affixed blade. (Courtesy R. Buhite.)

Fig. 4-84. The blade with bone in its vents. (Courtesy R. Buhite.)

Fig. 4-85. The protruding post of the blade was irritating the patient's cheek because it was originally inserted too far buccally.