Implant Surface Modification Using Laser Guided Coatings: In Vitro Comparison of Mechanical Properties

Purpose: Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implants show failures along the coating–substrate interface due to poor bond strength. We analyzed HA coatings obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and compared them to commercially used plasma-sprayed coatings with respect to their bond strength to titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), as well as surface roughness alterations produced by each of the two deposition methods.
Materials and Methods: Twelve titanium alloy disks were plasma-sprayed under commercial implant coating conditions, and 24 titanium alloy disks were coated using PLD. All coatings were characterized by the presence of the different calcium phosphate (CaP) phases. The plasma-sprayed coatings (n = 12) were predominantly HA, and the pulsed laser-deposited coatings were hydroxydyapatite (n = 12) and HA coating with a tetra calcium phosphate (TTCP) phase (n = 12). The surface roughness was analyzed before and after the coating processes to assess roughness changes to the surface by the coatings. The adhesive bond strengths of these coatings to the substrate titanium alloy was tested and compared. Scheffé's test was used to analyze the statistical significance of the data.
Results: The surface roughness alteration following PLD was a decrease of 0.2 μm, whereas following plasma spraying the decrease was 1.0 μm. Bond strengths were as follows [mean (SD) in MPa]: pulsed laser-deposited HA coatings: 68.3 (17.8); pulsed laser-deposited HA with tetra-CaP: 55.2 (21.1); plasma-sprayed HA 17.0 (2.8). The multivariate Scheffé's test revealed that HA coatings obtained by PLD had significantly increased bond strengths compared with the plasma sprayed ones ( p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions: HA coatings obtained by PLD showed greater adherence to titanium alloy. PLD offers an alternative method to produce thinner coatings with better adherence properties, along with precise control over the deposition process.     

Evaluation of the titanium Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy with and without plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coating on growth and viability of cultured osteoblast-like cells

BACKGROUND: Osseointegrated dental implants are currently recognized as a standard treatment method in dentistry. Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are the metals of choice for endosseous parts of currently available dental implants. Ti-6Al-4V is the most used Ti alloy, however; an improved version, Ti-6Al-7Nb, has been recently developed. METHODS: Rat osteoblast-like cells (osteo- 1 culture) were used to analyze the biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy with and without hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. The cells were grown on culture Petri dishes on the top of either plain Ti-6Al-7Nb or HA-coated Ti-6Al-7Nb disks. Osteo-1 cells grown on plain culture dishes were used as controls. Growth and cell viability curves were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. For the growth and viability curves, 10(4) cells were seeded on 35 mm dishes. Cells from each group were counted, in triplicate at 3, 7, 11, and 15 days after seeding using the Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. RESULTS: The cells grew as multiple layers on both Ti-6Al-7Nb substrates, showing extracellular matrix only when grown on HA-coated Ti-6Al-7Nb disks. The cells grown on HA-coated Ti-6Al-7Nb grew more slowly than the other 2 groups, with significantly smaller cell numbers than control cultures at the end of the experimental time. Additionally, the HA coated Ti-6Al-7Nb group presented smaller percentage of cell viability when compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed between the Ti groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of HA on the Ti-6Al-7Nb surface impaired the cell growth and viability of osteo-1 cells. However, this coating improved the extracellular matrix formation. Thus, our cell viability and structural studies showed that Ti-6Al-7Nb with or without HA coating has relevant physical and biological properties as an implant material.     

应用IBAD方法制备纯钛表面多孔TCP／HA涂层材料的微观分析

目的:为了改善钛种植体的生物相容性,对纯钛表面沉积多孔磷酸三钙/羟基磷灰石(Tricalciumphosphate/hydroxyapatite,TCP/HA)复合涂层材料的表面结构和化学成分进行分析,并与沉积羟基磷灰石(Hydroxyapatite,HA)的钛表面进行对比。方法:用离子束辅助沉积方法(Ionbeamassisteddeposition,IBAD)在纯钛表面沉积HA和TCP/HA涂层材料,通过扫描电镜(Scanningelectronmicroscope,SEM)、原子力显微镜(Atomicforcemicroscopy,AFM)、X射线能谱分析(EnergydispersiveX-rayanalysis,EDX)以及X射线衍射(X-raydiffraction,XRD)技术,检测两种涂层材料表面的微观形态和化学成分,并进行比较。结果:SEM和AFM显示TCP/HA涂层材料表面存在多孔结构,表面化学成分分析显示TCP/HA涂层的钙磷比低于HA,XRD证实TCP/HA涂层内同时存在TCP和HA两种化合物。结论:用IBAD方法在纯钛表面成功地沉积了具有多孔结构的TCP/HA复合涂层材料,该涂层材料和基体材料的结合牢固,改善了基体材料的生物相容性,是一种有应用前景的种植体表面涂层材料。     

多孔磷酸三钙-羟基磷灰石对人牙龈成纤维细胞黏附行为的影响

目的　研究多孔磷酸三钙 羟基磷灰石 (tricalcium phosphate hydroxyapatite ,TCP HA)复合材料对人牙龈成纤维细胞黏附行为的影响。方法　应用离子束辅助沉积法在纯钛试件表面制备多孔TCP HA复合涂层材料和羟基磷灰石 (hydroxyapatite,HA)涂层材料 ,定量对比人牙龈成纤维细胞在涂层和未涂层材料表面初期黏附、增殖、细胞铺展面积、细胞外基质和黏着斑形成的情况。结果　TCP HA和HA涂层材料表面黏附的细胞数、细胞铺展面积高于纯钛未涂层组 ,差异有显著性(P <0 0 5 ) ,黏着斑的形成早于未涂层组 ;TCP HA表面黏附的细胞数和Ⅰ型胶原的形成都高于纯钛未涂层组和HA涂层组。在培养 2 4h后TCP HA组表面黏附细胞数为 198 1± 2 7 7,Ⅰ型胶原形成的荧光强度为 15 4 10± 31 5 6 ,同纯钛组表面的细胞数 ( 12 5 1± 2 9 9)和Ⅰ型胶原荧光强度( 132 6 3± 35 2 6 )相比 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　与纯钛未涂层和HA涂层材料相比 ,多孔TCP HA复合涂层材料更有利于人牙龈成纤维细胞的初期黏附 ,具有更良好的生物相容性     

In vitro corrosion behavior of bioceramic, metallic, and bioceramic-metallic coated stainless steel dental implants.

OBJECTIVES: The most common metals and alloys used in dentistry may be exposed to a process of corrosion in vivo that make them cytotoxic. The biocompatibility of dental alloys is primarily related to their corrosion behavior. The aim of this work was to evaluate the corrosion behavior and thus the biocompatibility of the uncoated and coated stainless steels and compare the effect of type of coatings on corrosion behavior. METHODS: Three types of coatings, hydroxyapatite (HA), titanium (Ti), and a double-layer HA/Ti on AISI 316L stainless steel were made. HA coating was produced using plasma-spraying technique and Ti coating was made using physical vapor deposition process. In order to perform a novel double-layer composite coating, a top layer of HA was plasma-sprayed over a physical vapor deposited Ti layer on AISI 316L stainless steel. Structural characterization techniques including XRD, SEM and EDX were used to investigate the microstructure, morphology and crystallinity of the coatings. Electrochemical potentiodynamic tests were performed in physiological solutions in order to determine and compare the corrosion behavior of the coated and uncoated specimens as an indication of biocompatibility. RESULTS: Double-layer HA/Ti coating on AISI 316L SS had a positive effect on improvement of corrosion behavior. The decrease in corrosion current densities was significant for these coated specimens and was much lower than the values obtained for uncoated and single HA coated specimens. Ti coating on AISI 316L SS also has a beneficial effect on corrosion behavior. The results were compared with the results of corrosion behavior of HA coated commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and uncoated cpTi. SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrated that the double-layer HA/Ti coated 316L SS can be used as an endodontic implant and two goals including improvement of corrosion resistance and bone osteointegration can be obtained simultaneously.     

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目的    研究改良热分解法制备的钛金属表面钛酸钙复合涂层材料的特性。方法   应用改良热分解法在钛金属表面制备钛酸钙复合涂层材料,该涂层由含有无定形碳的钛酸钙（CaTiO3-αC）与羟基磷灰石（HA）组成。实验中通过控制钙磷比（Ca／P）、钙钛比（Ca／Ti）、烧结温度和烧结速率,使CaTiO3颗粒的晶体结构中含有摩尔分数为4%的无定形碳。结果    通过对HA中碳的检测,证实了存在碳酸磷灰石的结构。钛表面的黏附-分离实验显示,CaTiO3-αC／HA涂层的黏附强度是单纯HA涂层的2.5倍。结论    改良热分解法制备的CaTiO3-αC层（0.6 μm厚）和含有碳酸磷灰石的HA层（2.4 μm厚）组成的双层生物活性材料能够作为钛表面理想的涂层材料。     

Infrared Gold Alloy Brazing on Titanium and Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Surfaces and its Application to Removable Prosthodontics

PURPOSE: This study investigated the area size of the flow of a gold braze alloy on commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy plates, and elemental composition at the interface was determined. In the second part of this study, the tensile strengths of titanium plates brazed using a gold alloy were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chips of Type IV gold alloy and silver braze alloys were melted onto commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V surfaces in a dental infrared radiation unit. Flow area of each braze alloy was measured using a digital image analyzer. Tensile specimens (n = 5) were also prepared by infrared brazing using the braze alloys. Five specimens for each combination of the two titanium plates and the two braze alloys were subjected to tensile loading using a Universal testing machine. Electronprobe microanalysis of x-rays at cross-section of the brazed joints to determine elemental composition across the interface, as well as scanning electron microscopic observation at the fracture surfaces, were also conducted. RESULTS: The braze alloys flowed well and spread over the Ti and Ti-6Al-4V plates. Braze alloy type significantly influenced flow, and the gold alloy flowed less on the titanium materials. The mean tensile strengths of Ti and Ti-6Al-4V plates brazed using the gold braze alloy were 219 MPa and 417 MPa, respectively. The fracture surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V specimens with the gold braze alloy exhibited typical ductile behavior. Ti with the same braze alloy showed brittle surfaces. A greater concentration of Cu was found at the Ti with gold braze interface. CONCLUSION: The flow and the tensile strength of the gold alloy coating on titanium surface by means of an infrared brazing is adequate for dental use.     

Properties of hydroxyapatite-coated Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced by the ion-plating method.

To improvement the brittleness of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coated on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), a thin ceramic layer was formed by means of the RF ion-plating method. The alloy substrates were coated with HAp at 1, 3 or 5 microns thickness and heat-treated at 500 degrees C for 4 hours. Properties of HAp-coated alloy were evaluated by characterization of the ceramic films both before and after heat-treatment, as well as by bending, electrochemical and dissolution tests. HAp-coated film had a slightly higher Ca/P ratio than the original material and was stoichiometrically Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 by EPMA analysis. HAp was mainly recognized crystallographically by XRD analysis of the films after heat treatment, though it was hardly recognized on before heat-treatment film. These coated materials had a residual strain ranging from 0.3 to 0.7% without causing cracks in the HAp films with the three-point bend testing. Electrochemically, it was confirmed that the corrosion resistance of the Ti alloy was improved by any coating process. The amounts of Ca released from HAp coated film in 0.9% NaCl solution tended to increase with films that were 3 and 5 microns in thickness, but there were no significant differences in Ca released from film before and after heat treatment.     

Contact angle measurement on dental implant biomaterials

Wettability may be one of the surface factors to be considered when selecting dental implant biomaterials. Contact angles of dental implant surface preparations influence wettability and tissue adhesion. The contact angles of eight implant surface preparations were determined in this study. Contact angles were measured by a tele-microscope equipped with a protractor eyepiece. Groups 1 to 6 had a Ti6Al4V substrate. Group 1 was metallurgically polished, group 2 was blasted with 180 microns Al2O3, group 3 was blasted with 710 microns Al2O3, group 4 was hydroxyapatite (HA) blasted (125 microns), group 5 had a Calcitite HA plasma-sprayed coating, and group 6 was coated with plasma-sprayed MP-1 HA. Group 7 was metallurgically polished commercially pure (CP) titanium (grade 1), and group 8 was etched CP titanium (grade 1). Contact angles were measured 30 times for each group with distilled water and glycerol, and the determinations were statistically analyzed. Mean contact angles for groups 1 to 8 were 65.5, 65.3, 62.5, 67.9, 46.6, 81.7, 58.5, and 69.0, respectively, when tested with distilled water, and 70.7, 68.3, 81.6, 75.4, 67.1, 70.7, 62.3, and 82.5, respectively, when tested with glycerol. Analysis of variance and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test (p = 0.05) demonstrated significant differences between group 5 and all other groups when groups were tested with distilled water and demonstrated no significant differences between groups 5 and 7 when groups were tested with glycerol. Surface preparation of implant biomaterials affects wettability. In this study, Ti6Al4V coated with Calcitite HA had the lowest contact angles and the best wettability.     

Morphological and chemical characterizations of the interface of a hydroxyapatite-coated implant

The present study aimed at morphological and chemical characterization of the coating-substrate interface of a commercially available dental implant coated with plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA). For this purpose, elements in the chemically and mechanically exposed substrate surfaces were analyzed by EPMA and XPS. A thin titanium oxide film containing Ca and P was found at the interface. When the implant was subjected to mechanical stress, a mixed mode of cohesive and interfacial fractures occurred. The cohesive fracture was due to separation of the oxide film from the substrate, while the interfacial fracture was due to exfoliation of the coating from the oxide film bonded to the substrate. Analysis showed diffusion of Ca into the metal substrate, hence indicating the presence of chemical bond at the interface. However, mechanical interlocking seemed to play the major role in the interfacial bond.     

In vivo evaluation of the trabecular bone behavior to porous electrostatic spray deposition-derived calcium phosphate coatings

OBJECTIVES: Electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is a new technique to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bone behavior of ESD CaP-coated implants with various degrees of crystallinities in the trabecular bone of the femoral condyle of goats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the ESD technique, thin porous CaP coatings were deposited on tapered, conical, screw-shaped titanium implants. Three different heat-treatments were applied, resulting in amorphous CaP (400 degrees C, ESD1), crystalline carbonate apatite (500 degrees C, ESD2), and crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (700 degrees C, ESD3). Implants were inserted into the trabecular bone of the femoral condyles of goats for 12 weeks, and titanium (Ti) implants served as controls. RESULTS: The results showed that ESD-derived coatings are osteocompatible. Histomorphometrical analysis showed that the application of a CaP coating resulted in more bone contact along the press-fit area of the implant compared with the Ti implants. Moreover, the percentage bone contact of the ESD3-coated implants was increased, compared with the Ti control group. Regarding the other coatings, no differences were found compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite ESD-coated implants positively influenced the biological performance compared with Ti control implants.     

A piezoelectric film-based intrasplint detection method for bruxism

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Two varieties of unalloyed titanium, Ti-6Al-4V and NiTi, commonly are used in medical and dental fields. Several other types of alloys for potential use in these fields have been developed, including Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe and vanadium-free alloys (Ti-5Al-2.5Fe and Ti-5Al-3Mo-4Zr). The corrosion of these alloys under simulated physiologic conditions is not known. Purpose. This study compared the corrosion behaviors of 6 titanium materials through electrochemical polarization tests in 37 degrees C Ringer's solution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The applied voltage was potentiostatically scanned from -0.6 to 1.0 V. From polarization curves, the corrosion rate (averaged over 3 samples) for each alloy was calculated and compared with that of other alloys. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test were performed at a 95% overall confidence level to identify statistically significance differences in corrosion rates. Surface oxide films were identified by electron diffraction, and the electrolyte medium was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after each alloy was tested. RESULTS: Commercially pure titanium and Ti-5Al-2.5Fe were the most resistant to corrosion; Ti-5Al-3Mo-4Zr, Ti-6Al-4V, and NiTi were the least resistant to corrosion. NiTi exhibited pitting corrosion along with transpassivation. CONCLUSION: Electron diffraction patterns indicated that all titanium alloys were covered mainly with rutile-type oxide (TiO(2)) after corrosion tests. The oxides that formed on Ti-5Al-2.5Fe were identified as a mixture of TiO(2) and Ti(9)O(17), and those that formed on NiTi were identified as a mixture of TiO(2) and Ni(2)Ti(4)O.     

Microbial community composition on modified dental implant surfaces: an in vivo study

Purpose: The aim of the present in vivo study was to examine alterations of the microbial community structure in biofilms on different dental implant surfaces over the time. Materials and Methods: Zirconium nitride-coated glass (ZrN-glass) and ZrN-coated polished titanium (ZrN-Ti) disks were used as substrates and polished titanium (Ti-pol) was used as a control. The specimens were mounted on removable intraoral splints in one adult. After 24 hours and 14 days of intraoral exposure, the microbial biofilms were analyzed by generating 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Results: ZrN coating of a Ti surface altered the microbial composition early on (24 hours), with a tendency to augment Lactobacillus-related phylotypes later. Long-term exposure (14 days) of dental implant surfaces to microbes resulted in a significantly different composition of the biofilm on all three tested surfaces. Conclusions: This preliminary study showed that a ZrN-Ti disk surface harbors a significantly different microbial composition from a polished Ti surface. Further improvement of ZrN physical vapor deposition coatings might help to influence the adhesion of bacteria that are less pathogenic, thereby reducing the risk of peri-implantitis.     

Functionally gradient bonelike hydroxyapatite coating on a titanium metal substrate created by a discharging method in HBSS without organic molecules

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the quality of coatings on titanium surfaces prepared by discharging in Hanks' balanced salt solution without organic molecules (HBSS-). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 x 10 x 1.0-mm titanium plates were used as cathodes of a coating device developed in the laboratory and immersed in HBSS-. A piece of platinum foil was used as a counterelectrode. Discharging was maintained at 1 A and 10 V (416 mA/cm2) for periods of 90, 270, and 540 seconds. Crystal phases of the coatings were identified by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the surface characterization and Ca/P atomic ratio of the titanium surfaces were determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, the surface topography, the thickness of the coatings, and the bonds between coatings and titanium substrates were observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The FTIR and XRD studies demonstrated that the deposits on the titanium after 540 seconds of discharging were crystalline hydroxyapatite. In addition, the thickness of the titanium suboxide layer increased during discharging. The XPS studies indicated that after 540 seconds of processing, the mean Ca/P ratio of the coatings on the titanium was 1.71, which is similar to that of human bone. DISCUSSION: In addition, the replacement of sodium ions with calcium ions seemed important for the promotion of crystallization of the coating. Furthermore, the XPS studies demonstrated that the coatings had a gradient function. Scanning electron microscopy showed that adhesion between coatings and the titanium substrate was close. The coatings were approximately 1 microm thick. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a very thin crystalline bonelike hydroxyapatite coating with a gradient function could be prepared on a titanium metal substrate in HBSS- by a discharging method.     

Osteoconduction of a stoichiometric and bovine hydroxyapatite bilayer-coated implant

Objective: To impart rapid and durable osteoconductivity to implants, a commercial titanium screw implant was coated with stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA; 50 nm thick), and then with bovine hydroxyapatite (B‐HA; 300 nm thick) using the pulsed laser deposition technique. As control specimens, a commercial implant coated with HA (20 μm thick) using the flame spraying method (sprayed implant) and a simple titanium implant (basic implant) was used. Methods: The osteoconductivities of these three types of implant, after implantation for 4–24 weeks, were histologically evaluated. Results: Peeling of HA from the sprayed implant was observed by scanning electron microscopic observation. In the fourth postoperative week, the bilayered implant was already closely adhered to bone. On the other hand, the basic implant was surrounded by a gap containing connective tissue. With the sprayed implant, the bone adhered to the thick HA coating. Conclusion: The bilayer deposition technique supplies quick and long‐term fixation of implants to bone, because the B‐HA film dissolves to aid osteoconduction right immediately after implantation and the HA thin film maintains osteoconduction without dissolution. Neither of the thin‐film fractures easily compared with thick coatings. To cite this article:
Hayami T, Hontsu S, Higuchi Y, Nishikawa H, Kusunoki M. Osteoconduction of a stoichiometric and bovine hydroxyapatite bilayer‐coated implant.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 774–776
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02057.x     

Corrosion behavior of pure titanium and titanium alloys in fluoride-containing solutions

The effects of fluoride concentrations and pH on the corrosion behavior of pure titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-7Nb alloys and a new Ti alloy adding palladium, which is expected to promote a repassivation of Ti were examined by anodic polarization and corrosion potential measurements. The amount of dissolved Ti was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The surface of the specimen was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after the measurement. Pure Ti, Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb alloys were easily corroded even in a low fluoride concentration in an acidic environment. The corrosion resistance of Ti-0.2Pd alloy was greater than those of pure Ti, Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb alloys in the wide range of pH and fluoride concentrations. The high corrosion resistance of Ti-0.2Pd alloy was caused by the surface enrichment of Pd promoting a repassivation of Ti. The Ti-0.2Pd alloy is expected to be useful as a new Ti alloy with high corrosion resistance in dental use.     

Hydroxyapatite film coating by thermally induced liquid-phase deposition method for titanium implants

Thermally induced liquid-phase deposition method was employed to produce a thin hydroxyapatite (HA) film on a titanium substrate in a metastable calcium phosphate solution. Titanium foil of 100x10x0.02 mm3 was used as a substrate. Prior to HA coating, the substrate was immersed in 5 M NaOH solution at 60 degrees C for 24 hours. Substrate temperature was kept constant at 60 degrees C for 0.5-3 hours by electrical heating with a DC power source in the metastable calcium phosphate solution. An X-ray diffractogram indicated that the film deposited on the titanium substrate was composed of HA. The amount of HA deposited increased with increase in heating time. These results suggested that a uniform HA film can be formed by simple chemical and thermal treatments. Based on the results of this study, this technique seemed to be useful for producing uniform HA coatings on complex-shaped and porous dental implants.     

Bone mesenchymal stem cell functions on the hierarchical micro/nanotopographies of the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy

We investigated the response of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) placed on the titanium-6aluminium-7niobiuim (Ti-6Al-7Nb) alloy modified by hydrofluoric acid etch combined with subsequent anodic oxidation. Pure titanium (Ti) discs and Ti-6Al-7Nb discs were treated by hydrofluoric acid etch and anodic oxidation, and polished pure Ti discs and Ti-6Al-7Nb discs without surface modification served as controls (n = 35 in each group). Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and radiographic photoelectron spectroscopy assays were used to detect the properties of the samples’ surface. The morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity of BMSC were examined using various techniques of microscopic and biological characterisation. The results showed that both Ti-6Al-7Nb samples and the pure Ti samples showed hierarchical micro/nanotopographies, and fluorine emerged on the surfaces of the samples after modification. The hierarchical micro/nanotopographies significantly increased the spreading, adhesion, and proliferation of BMSC and activity of alkaline phosphatase. In addition, modified samples of Ti-6Al-7Nb showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity than modified pure Ti samples (p < 0.05). The experiment successfully confirmed that Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy with hierarchical micro/nanotopographies treated by hydrofluoric acid etch and anodic oxidation possessed good biocompatibility, and may be a promising candidate for dental implants.     

Discoloration of a titanium alloy removable partial denture: A clinical report

With recent advances in dental technology, titanium is currently used for fabrication of crowns, fixed partial dentures, implant frameworks, and removable partial denture frameworks. The use of titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy assumes that it imparts similar anti-corrosion characteristics to the commercially pure titanium. This clinical report describes a patient who experienced discoloration of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy removable partial denture.     

Bone response adjacent to calcium phosphate electrostatic spray deposition coated implants: an experimental study in goats

BACKGROUND: A new technique to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed recently. This electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) technique seems to be very promising. It appears to have clinical advantages such as an inexpensive and simple set-up, high deposition efficiency and the possibility to synthesize layers with a defined surface morphology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine biological properties and osteoconductivity of ESD CaP coatings when inserted into the femoral condyle of a goat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four implants with two gaps, i.e. 1 or 2 mm, were inserted into the femoral condyles of six goats. The implants were coated on one side with either a commercially available plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HAPS) coating or an ESD carbonate apatite (CAESD) coating. The other side of the implant was always left uncoated (Ti). Twelve weeks after implantation the animals were sacrificed and the characteristics of bone ingrowth and bone contact were evaluated. Results: At 3 months, histological and quantitative histomorphometrical measurements demonstrated more bone ingrowth and bone contact for coated sites as compared with uncoated sites. Statistical testing revealed that for both the 1 and 2 mm gaps HAPS (plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite) as well as CAESD (ESD carbonate apatite) -coated surfaces always had a significantly higher (P<0.05) amount of bone contact than uncoated Ti surfaces. On HAPS surfaces always significantly more bone was present than on CAESD surfaces. Further statistical testing revealed a significant difference in bone ingrowth between the HAPS as well as CAESD and Ti 1+2 mm gap specimens (P<0.05). Further, HAPS 1 mm gaps showed more bone ingrowth than CAESD 1 mm gaps. No significant difference existed between HAPS and CAESD 2 mm gaps. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our observations, we conclude that the used ESD technique is a promising new method to deposit CaP coatings onto titanium substrates. On the other hand, plasma-spray HA-coated implants have a still more favourable effect on the bone response.