Implant histology 107

cious fibrous tissue obstructing the screw threads. The second screw was shorter, measuring 7 x 5 x 4 mm. and was missing the post portion. The screw portion had a small amount of tissue obstructing the threads. The separate calcified fragment was ovoid in shape and measured 4 x 4 x 3 mm.

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: The specimens con-

sist of strips of connective tissue. In some areas the strips assume a semilunar configuration rep-resenting tissue which was in direct contact with the implant screws [Fig. 4-48]. This tissue is comprised of well-developed mature collagen bundles and is devoid of inflammatory cells. Foci of proliferating plump fibroblasts are evident [Fig. 4-49;, and in one area small calcifications are

Fig. 4-51. That part of the soft tissue specimen away from the implant site contains numerous islands of bone.

Fig. 4-52. Under higher magnification the bone fragments are seen to contain numerous osteocytes.