The tissue-implant interfaces of functional and non-functional endosseous dental implants were compared histologically for up to one year post-operatively. Nonmineralized connective tissue zones (a "fibrous capsule") existed in all functional interfaces. Direct, or nearly direct, bone apposition to implants occurred in non-functional interfaces. The origin of this result and its significance in dental implantology is discussed.

Functional and non-functional endosseous dental implants were clinically compared in beagle mandibles for up to one year post-operatively. Differing biomechanical conditions led to clinical differences between functional and non-functional implants. Typical clinical tests, however, did not always reveal detailed histological differences between implant-tissue interfaces of functional and non-funcional implants.