In the present study, the bone response of titanium implants at early bone healing stages, was evaluated using a tensile test. Test surface of coin-shaped cp. titanium implants were standardized by grit blasting with TiO(2), grain size 180-220 microm. The surface topography of the implant specimens was examined by SEM, and by a confocal laser scanner for evaluation of S(a), S(t) and S(dr). The implants were placed onto the leveled site on the tibia of 12 New Zealand White rabbits, 4 implants in each animal. The rabbits were divided into three groups with different observation times i.e. 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The retention of 12 implants were tested by measuring the pull-out force needed to detach the implant from the bone. There was a significant increase in implant retention from 2 to 4 and to 6 weeks healing time (p<0.05). Four implants from each time point were randomly chosen for histological evaluation. The histological appearance of the implant-bone interface at the different healing times showed noticeable differences in the degree of bone healing and maturation, suggesting that, in rabbits, 6 weeks healing time is a suitable observation point for tensile testing of surface optimized osseointegrating implants.