Low Intensity Thermal Stimulation to Enhance Early Osteointegration in Implants: A Preclinical Study in Rabbits

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study is the first to integrate 3D finite element modeling, in vitro validation, and preclinical animal experiments to determine the efficacy of low‐intensity thermal stimulation (LITS) in enhancing dental implant osseointegration. The study seeks to provide experimental evidence for applying thermal stimulation as a possible approach to enhance osseointegration.Material and MethodsA 3D finite element implant‐femur model and in vitro implant‐bone system were developed to simulate heat distribution. LITS conditions (50°C/5 s) were validated to avoid exceeding the osteoblast safety threshold (47°C). Eighteen rabbits received femoral implants divided into: control (no heating), T1 (single 50°C/5 s heating cycle), and T2 (three cycles). Outcomes included implant stability (IST), reverse torque, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and histomorphometric osseointegration rate at 6 weeks.ResultsFinite element and in vitro analyses confirmed 50°C/5 s as the optimal protocol, maintaining implant surface temperatures ≤ 46.3°C and complete thermal recovery within 1 min. T1 significantly increased in vivo rabbit model reverse torque (p < 0.05) and BV/TV (p < 0.05), while T2 showed no BV/TV improvement. Both T1 and T2 exhibited higher osseointegration rates (p < 0.05). Implant stability (IST) remained unchanged across groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionLITS at 50°C/5 s safely enhances early osseointegration in rabbits, increasing biomechanical anchorage and peri‐implant bone formation. This study provides preliminary experimental evidence for the potential of thermal application in enhancing implant osseointegration.