Figure 3.

Histological samples, stained with toluidine blue, including reference boxes and magnified images.

Notes: Reference box was 250×3,000 mm² and marks the standard area used to evaluate new bone formation: (A) 6 weeks, grade 4 Ti reference; (B) 6 weeks, unmodified 2,000 nm Ti–Sr–O coating; (C) 12 weeks, grade 4 Ti reference; and (D) 12 weeks, unmodified 2,000 nm Ti–Sr–O coating. The area of new bone formation inside the reference box was measured for all samples and used to calculate the percentage of de novo bone synthesis (marked with yellow arrows) with respect to the total reference area. In all cases, the edge of the reference area was at least 2 mm away from the growth plate. The side of the reference box facing the implant surface was also used to evaluate the percentage of direct BIC with respect to the total length of the reference. Scale bars are 1,000 μm.

Abbreviation: BIC, bone-to-implant contact.