Variation in surface texture measurements

Surface texture influences cellular response to implants, implant wear, and fixation, yet measurement and reporting of surface texture can be confusing and ambiguous. Seven specimens of widely different surface textures were submitted to three internationally renowned laboratories for surface texture characterization. The specimens were from dental implants, orthopedic implants, and femoral heads. Areas to be measured were clearly marked; simplified instructions were supplied but specific measurement parameters were not requested. Techniques used included contact profilometry, two- and three-dimensional laser profilometry, and atomic force microscopy. Four to thirteen parameters were reported, 2D or 3D, including R(a) or S(a); only three were common to all centers. The results varied by as much as +/-300-1000%, depending on technique and surface type. Some surfaces were not measurable by some techniques. One dental implant surface was reported with R(a) of 0.17, 0.85, 1.9, and 4.4 microm. The CoCr femoral head ranged from an R(a) of 0.011 to 0.10 microm; the zirconia head from 0.006 to 0.05 microm. Similar variability was reported for the other parameters. Useful surface texture characterization requires reporting of all measurement parameters. Comparisons between studies may be compromised if differences in technique are not considered.     

Femtosecond laser microstructuring of zirconia dental implants

This study evaluated the suitability of femtosecond laser for microtexturizing cylindrical zirconia dental implants surface. Sixty-six cylindrical zirconia implants were used and divided into three groups: Control group (with no laser modification), Group A (microgropored texture), and Group B (microgrooved texture). Scanning electron microscopy observation of microgeometries revealed minimal collateral damage of the original surface surrounding the treated areas. Optical interferometric profilometry showed that ultrafast laser ablation increased surface roughness (R(a), R(q), R(z), and R(t)) significantly for both textured patterns from 1.2 x to 6 x-fold when compared with the control group (p < 0.005). With regard to chemical composition, microanalysis revealed a significant decrease of the relative content of contaminants like carbon (Control 19.7% ± 0.8% > Group B 8.4% ± 0.42% > Group A 1.6% ± 0.35%) and aluminum (Control 4.3% ± 0.9% > Group B 2.3% ± 0.3% > Group A 1.16% ± 0.2%) in the laser-treated surfaces (p < 0.005). X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra analysis were carried out to investigate any change in the crystalline structure induced by laser processing. The original predominant tetragonal phase of zirconia was preserved, whereas the traces of monoclinic phase present in the treated surfaces were reduced (Control 4.32% > Group A 1.94% > Group B 1.72%) as the surfaces were processed with ultrashort laser pulses. We concluded that femtosecond laser microstructuring offers an interesting alternative to conventional surface treatments of zirconia implants as a result of its precision and minimal damage of the surrounding areas.     

An evaluation of ion-textured aluminum oxide dental implants

A study was undertaken to evaluate the ion-beam texturing of aluminum oxide as a means of providing a surface which will produce a biological prosthetic attachment. A wafflelike pattern of surface contours 150 x 75 x 35 microm deep was produced on cylindrical dental implants. The textured surfaces were compared to the as received surfaces in adult mongrel dogs. Implants were inserted into surgically modified healed extraction sites and were left in place for six months. Post-sacrifice mechanical testing was used to quantify the displacement response of the implants. The clinical, radiographic and mechanical testing evaluations did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the performance of the dental implants. However, it was observed that anatomical site and mandibular geometry with respect to implant size play a significant role in affecting implant retention.     

Analysing the optimal value for titanium implant roughness in bone attachment using a tensile test

This study aims at studying the effect of surface roughness on bone attachment of coin-shaped titanium implants. All implants in this study were blasted with TiO(2) particles of 180-220 microm, and then divided into three groups. One group had no further surface treatment whereas the other two groups were subsequently etched with hot hydrochloric acid (0.01M or 1M). The surface topography of the implant specimens was examined by SEM and by a confocal laser scanner for a numeric evaluation of S(a), S(t) and S(dr). The ranging implants in the three groups differed significantly in surface structure. The implants with modified surfaces were then placed into the tibias of 12 rabbits (n=16). After 8 weeks healing, the attachment of bone to implants were examined using a standardised tensile test analysis. The implants that were only blasted (positive control) showed significantly better functional attachment (p<0.001) than the acid etched. Implant surfaces etched with 1M HCl solution had the lowest retention in bone. There was a negative correlation between the increasing roughness and mechanical retention in bone of the implants in this study. The results support observations from earlier studies that suggested an optimal surface roughness for bone attachment, identified by in situ tensile tests and expressed as the arithmetic mean deviation (S(a)), to be in the range between 3.62 and 3.90 microm and that a further attachment depended on mechanical interlocking between bone and implant.     

Effects of topographical surface modifications of electron beam melted Ti-6Al-4V titanium on human fetal osteoblasts

The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of different Ti-6Al-4V surfaces produced by the electron beam melting (EBM) process as matrices for attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19). Human osteoblasts were cultured in vitro on smooth and rough-textured Ti-6Al-4V alloy disks. By means of cell number and vitality and SEM micrographs cell attachment and proliferation were observed. The differentiation rate was examined by using quantitative real-time PCR analysis for the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen (Coll-I), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC). After 3 days of incubation there was a significant higher vitality (p < 0.02) and proliferation (p < 0.02) of hFOB cells on smooth surfaces (R(a) = 0.077 microm) and compact surfaces with adherent partly molten titanium particles on the surface (R(a) /= 56.9 microm) reduced proliferation of hFOB cells. Surface characteristics of titanium can easily be changed by EBM in order to further improve proliferation.     

Requirement for both micron- and submicron scale structure for synergistic responses of osteoblasts to substrate surface energy and topography

OBJECTIVE: Surface roughness and surface free energy are two important factors that regulate cell responses to biomaterials. Previous studies established that titanium (Ti) substrates with micron-scale and submicron scale topographies promote osteoblast differentiation and osteogenic local factor production and that there is a synergistic response to micro-rough Ti surfaces that have retained their high surface energy via processing that limits hydrocarbon contamination. This study tested the hypothesis that the synergistic response of osteoblasts to these modified surfaces depends on both surface micro-structure and surface energy. METHODS: Ti disks were manufactured to present three different surface structures: smooth pretreatment (PT) surfaces with R(a) of 0.2 microm; acid-etched surfaces (A) with a submicron roughness R(a) of 0.83 microm; and sandblasted/acid-etched surfaces (SLA) with R(a) of 3-4 microm. Modified acid-etched (modA) and modified sandblasted/acid-etched (modSLA) Ti substrates, which have low contamination and present a hydroxylated/hydrated surface layer to retain high surface energy, were compared with regular low surface energy A and SLA surfaces. Human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on these substrates and their responses, including cell shape, growth, differentiation (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin), and local factor production (TGF-beta1, PGE(2), osteoprotegerin (OPG)) were analyzed (N=6 per variable). Data were normalized to cell number. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between smooth PT and A surfaces except for a small increase in OPG. Compared to A surfaces, MG63 cells produced 30% more osteocalcin on modA, and 70% more on SLA. However, growth on modSLA increased osteocalcin by more than 250%, which exceeded the sum of independent effects of surface energy and topography. Similar effects were noted when levels of latent TGF-beta1, PGE(2) and OPG were measured in the conditioned media. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate a synergistic effect between high surface energy and topography of Ti substrates and show that both micron-scale and submicron scale structural features are necessary.     

Response of normal female human osteoblasts (NHOst) to 17beta-estradiol is modulated by implant surface morphology

Titanium (Ti) surfaces with rough microtopographies enhance osteogenic differentiation, local factor production, and response to osteogenic agents in vitro and increase pullout strength of dental implants in vivo. Estrogens regulate bone formation, resorption, and remodeling in females and may be important in implant success. Here, we tested the hypothesis that estrogen modulates osteoblast response to implant surface morphology. Primary female human osteoblasts were cultured to confluence on three Ti surfaces (pretreatment, PT - R(a) 0.60 microm; sandblasted and acid-etched, SLA - R(a) 3.97 microm; and Ti plasma-sprayed, TPS - R(a) 5.21 microm) and treated for 24 h with 10(-7) or 10(-8) M 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). Cell number decreased with increasing surface roughness, but was not sensitive to E(2). Alkaline phosphatase specific activity of isolated cells and cell layer lysates was lower on rough surfaces. E(2) increased both parameters on smooth surfaces, whereas on rough surfaces, the stimulatory effect of E(2) on alkaline phosphatase was evident only when measuring cell layer lysates. Osteocalcin levels were higher in the conditioned media of cells grown on rough surfaces; E(2) had no effect in cultures on the plastic surfaces, but increased osteocalcin production on all Ti surfaces. TGF-beta1 and PGE(2) production was increased on rough surfaces, and E(2) augmented this effect in a synergistic manner; on smooth surfaces, there was no change in production with E(2). The response of osteoblasts to surface topography was modulated by E(2). On smooth surfaces, E(2) affected only alkaline phosphatase, but on rough surfaces, E(2) increased levels of osteocalcin, TGF-beta1, and PGE(2). These results show that normal adult human female osteoblasts are sensitive to surface microtopography and that E(2) can alter this response.     

A study on the effect of dual blasting with TiO2 on titanium implant surfaces on functional attachment in bone

In the present study, the effect of a dual treatment of titanium implants and the subsequent bone response after implantation were investigated. Coin-shaped c.p. titanium implants were placed into the tibias of 12 rabbits. The implant, which was dually blasted with TiO2 particles of two different sizes, was compared with implants that were blasted with only one of these particle sizes. Implants in group 1 were grit blasted with small particles, 22-28 microm in size, and group 2 with coarser particles, 180-220 microm size. These two treatments gave different surface micro textures. To test the effect of a combination of two different treatments, group 3 implants were blasted first with the 180- to 220-microm and subsequently with the 22- to 28-microm particles. The surface topography of the implant specimens was examined by scanning electron microscopy and by a confocal laser scanner and a numeric evaluation of S(a), S(t), and S(dr) was recorded. Group 2 implants, which were blasted with only the coarse particles, showed a significantly better functional attachment (p < 0.001) than the other two groups. Group 1, which was blasted with only small particles, showed the lowest retention in bone. There was a positive correlation between the topographical and mechanical evaluation of the surfaces.     

Deep rolling of titanium rods for application in modular total hip arthroplasty

Compressive residual stresses are commonly introduced into the near-surface regions of morse taper junctions of modular hip endoprostheses to prolong fatigue life. An increasing number of publications report that contamination of shot-peened surfaces can lead to enhanced corrosion and third body wear. This study evaluates deep rolling of titanium alloy rods as a possible alternative to shot peening. Ten rods of Ti6Al7Nb alloy with a diameter of 15 mm were deep rolled with various rolling parameters. The resulting surface topography and residual contamination was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The near-surface residual stress states after deep rolling were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction. The roughness of the surfaces before deep rolling was about R(z) = 14 microm, and after deep rolling surface roughness values of R(z) 0.4-7.5 microm were achieved. The results of the SEM and EDAX analyses of the sample surface showed no evidence of surface contamination by particles or abrasion products caused by any process. At a pressure of 300 bar, compressive stress reached the maximum of -1150 MPa at a depth of 0.1 mm. Deep rolling thus allows a smooth and particle-free surface to be obtained and therefore shows promise as a surface treatment for mating surfaces of morse tapers in modular hip endoprostheses.     

Three-dimensional printing and porous metallic surfaces: a new orthopedic application

As-cast, porous surfaced CoCr implants were tested for bone interfacial shear strength in a canine transcortical model. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) was used to create complex molds with a dimensional resolution of 175 microm. 3DP is a solid freeform fabrication technique that can generate ceramic pieces by printing binder onto a bed of ceramic powder. A printhead is rastered across the powder, building a monolithic mold, layer by layer. Using these 3DP molds, surfaces can be textured "as-cast," eliminating the need for additional processing as with commercially available sintered beads or wire mesh surfaces. Three experimental textures were fabricated, each consisting of a surface layer and deep layer with distinct individual porosities. The surface layer ranged from a porosity of 38% (Surface Y) to 67% (Surface Z), whereas the deep layer ranged from 39% (Surface Z) to 63% (Surface Y). An intermediate texture was fabricated that consisted of 43% porosity in both surface and deep layers (Surface X). Control surfaces were commercial sintered beaded coatings with a nominal porosity of 37%. A well-documented canine transcortical implant model was utilized to evaluate these experimental surfaces. In this model, five cylindrical implants were placed in transverse bicortical defects in each femur of purpose bred coonhounds. A Latin Square technique was used to randomize the experimental implants left to right and proximal to distal within a given animal and among animals. Each experimental site was paired with a porous coated control site located at the same level in the contralateral limb. Thus, for each of the three time periods (6, 12, and 26 weeks) five dogs were utilized, yielding a total of 24 experimental sites and 24 matched pair control sites. At each time period, mechanical push-out tests were used to evaluate interfacial shear strength. Other specimens were subjected to histomorphometric analysis. Macrotexture Z, with the highest surface porosity, failed at a significantly higher shear stress (p = 0.05) than the porous coated controls at 26 weeks. It is postulated that an increased volume of ingrown bone, resulting from a combination of high surface porosity and a high percentage of ingrowth, was responsible for the observed improvement in strength. Macrotextures X and Y also had significantly greater bone ingrowth than the controls (p = 0.05 at 26 weeks), and displayed, on average, greater interfacial shear strengths than controls, although they were not statistically significant.     

The importance of surface texture for bone integration of screw shaped implants: an in vivo study of implants patterned by photolithography

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different properties inherent in surface topography on the integration of an implant in bone. Using a photolithography technique, a specific surface pattern was produced on the screw flanks of threaded titanium oral implants. Surface topography was qualitatively assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a confocal laser scanning profilometer. Quantitative analysis with the confocal laser profilometer derived parameters for surface roughness and surface roughness together with waviness. The chemical composition of the implant surfaces was analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy. The patterned and control (turned) implants were inserted in New Zealand White rabbits with a healing period of 3 months. Bone fixation was evaluated with resonance frequency analysis (RFA), peak removal torque analysis (RTQ), and by histomorphometry. No statistically significant differences were seen in the fixation, with respect to bone-to-implant contact, between the patterned and control implants.     

Interfacial shear strength of titanium implants in bone is significantly improved by surface topographies with high pit density and microroughness

Surface structure of implants influences bone response and interfacial shear strength between implants and bone. The aim of this study was to find topographical parameters that correlate with the interfacial shear strength. Two groups of sand-blasted titanium screws were implanted in 17 sheep tibia, each for 2-52 weeks: (A) acid pickled with HF/HNO(3); (B) acid etched with HCl/H(2)SO(4). Screw removal torque was measured and surface topography of both implant groups was studied by scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, and scanning probe microscopy. The roughness as well as the surface area of type A surface was higher in the scan region of 100 microm, but the microroughness and surface area of type B surface was higher in the scan region of 10 microm. A significantly higher removal torque (interfacial shear strength) of the surface treatment type B (412 +/- 60 Ncm) compared to surface treatment type A (157 +/- 33 Ncm) was found after 52 weeks of implantation in sheep due to differences in microroughness of both types of screws. It was also shown that the specification of the parameters Delta(a), R(a) and R(q) was not sufficient to characterize the properties of the implant surfaces. The analysis of R(q) parameter over wavelengths was required to characterize the size, shape and distribution of the implant surface structures.     

Bone response to endosseous titanium implants surface-modified by blasting and chemical treatment: a histomorphometric study in the rabbit femur

This study evaluated the effects of the addition of oxide structure with submicron-scale porous morphology on the periimplant bone response around titanium (Ti) implants with microroughened surfaces. Hydroxyapatite-blasted Ti implants with (experimental) and without (control) a porous oxide structure produced by chemical treatment were investigated in a rabbit femur model. Surface characterizations and in vivo bone response at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation were compared. The experimental implants had submicron-scale porous surface structure consisted of anatase and rutile phase, and the original R(a) values produced by blasting were preserved. The histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated statistically significantly increased bone-to-implant contact (BIC) for experimental implants, both in the three best consecutive threads (p < 0.01) and all threads (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks. There was no remarkable difference in the BIC% or bone area percentage between the two groups at 8 weeks. The porous Ti oxide surface enhanced periimplant bone formation around the Ti implants with microroughened surfaces at the early healing stage. Based on the results of this study, the addition of crystalline Ti oxide surface with submicron-sized porous morphology produced by chemical treatment may be an effective approach for enhancing the osseointegration of Ti implants with microroughened surfaces by increasing early bone-implant contact.     

Bone healing of commercial oral implants with RGD immobilization through electrodeposited poly(ethylene glycol) in rabbit cancellous bone

Immobilization of RGD peptides on titanium (Ti) surfaces enhances implant bone healing by promoting early osteoblastic cell attachment and subsequent differentiation by facilitating integrin binding. Our previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of RGD peptide immobilization on Ti surfaces through the electrodeposition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (RGD/PEG/Ti), which exhibited good chemical stability and bonding. The RGD/PEG/Ti surface promoted differentiation and mineralization of pre-osteoblasts. This study investigated the in vivo bone healing capacity of the RGD/PEG/Ti surface for biomedical application as a more osteoconductive implant surface in dentistry. The RGD/PEG/Ti surface was produced on an osteoconductive implant surface, i.e. the grit blasted micro-rough surface of a commercial oral implant. The osteoconductivity of the RGD/PEG/Ti surface was compared by histomorphometric evaluation with an RGD peptide-coated surface obtained by simple adsorption in rabbit cancellous bone after 2 and 4 weeks healing. The RGD/PEG/Ti implants displayed a high degree of direct bone apposition in cancellous bone and achieved greater active bone apposition, even in areas of poor surrounding bone. Significant increases in the bone to implant contact percentage were observed for RGD/PEG/Ti implants compared with RGD-coated Ti implants obtained by simple adsorption both after 2 and 4 weeks healing (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that RGD peptide immobilization on a Ti surface through electrodeposited PEG may be an effective method for enhancing bone healing with commercial micro-rough surface oral implants in cancellous bone by achieving rapid bone apposition on the implant surface.     

Effect of surface finish on the osseointegration of laser-treated titanium alloy implants

It was the purpose of this study to examine the osseointegration of laser-textured titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implants with pore sizes of 100, 200, and 300 microm, specifically comparing 200-microm implants with polished and corundum-blasted surfaces in a rabbit transcortical model. Using a distal and proximal implantation site in the distal femoral cortex, each animal received all four different implants in both femora. The bone-implant interface and the newly formed bone tissue within the pores and in peri-implant bone tissue were examined 3, 6, and 12 weeks post-implantation by static and dynamic histomorphometry. Here we show that additional surface blasting of laser-textured Ti6Al4V implants with 200-microm pores resulted in a profound improvement in osseointegration, 12 weeks postimplantation. Although lamellar bone formation was found in pores of all sizes, the amount of lamellar bone within pores was linearly related to pore size. In 100-microm pores, bone remodeling occurred with a pronounced time lag relative to larger pores. Implants with 300-microm pores showed a delayed osseointegration compared with 200-microm pores. We conclude that 200 microm may be the optimal pore size for laser-textured Ti6Al4V implants, and that laser treating in combination with surface blasting may be a very interesting technology for the structuring of implant surfaces.     

Morphometric and mechanical evaluation of titanium implant integration: comparison of five surface structures

Achieving a stable bone-implant interface is an important factor in the long-term outcome of joint arthroplasty. In this study, we employed an ovine bicortical model to compare the bone-healing response to five different surfaces on titanium alloy implants: grit blasted (GB), grit blasted plus hydroxyapatite (50 microm thick) coating (GBHA), Porocoat(R) (PC), Porocoat(R) with HA (PCHA) and smooth (S). Push-out testing, histology, and backscatter scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging were employed to assess the healing response at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Push-out testing revealed PC and PCHA surfaces resulted in significantly greater mechanical fixation over all other implant types at all time points (p <.05). HA coating on the grit-blasted surface significantly improved fixation at 8 and 12 weeks (p <.05). The addition of HA onto the porous coating did not significantly improve fixation in this model. Quantification of ingrowth/ongrowth from SEM images revealed that HA coating of the grit-blasted surfaces resulted in significantly more ongrowth at 4 weeks (p <.05).     

Shear force modulates osteoblast response to surface roughness

Previous studies have shown that osteoblasts are sensitive to surface roughness. When cultured on Ti, MG63 osteoblast-like cells exhibit decreased proliferation and increased differentiation with increasing surface roughness. In vivo, osteoblasts also are subjected to shear force during osseointegration. To examine how shear force modulates osteoblast response to surface roughness, MG63 cells were cultured on glass disks or Ti disks with three different R(a) values and topographies (PT: R(a) = 0.60 microm; SLA: R(a) = 3.97 microm; TPS: R(a) = 5.21 microm) in a continuous flow device, resulting in shear forces of 0, 1, 5, 14, and 30 dynes/cm(2). Confluent cultures were exposed to fluid flow for 1 h. After an additional 23 h, cell number, alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity, and levels of osteocalcin, TGF-beta1, and PGE2 in the conditioned media were determined. Cell numbers on smooth surfaces (glass and PT) were unaffected by shear force. In contrast, shear force caused a dose-dependent reversal of the decrease in cell numbers seen on rough SLA and TPS surfaces. Alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity was unaffected on glass or PT, but shear force caused a biphasic reduction in the roughness-dependent increase on SLA and TPS that was maximal at 14 dynes/cm(2). There was a similar effect seen with TGF-beta1 levels. Osteocalcin was unaffected on smooth surfaces; shear force caused a dose-dependent reduction in the roughness-stimulated increase seen on SLA and TPS. PGE2 production was increased by shear force on all surfaces. There was a twofold increase in PGE2 levels in the media of MG63 cells cultured on glass and PT in response to 14 dynes/cm(2), but on SLA and TPS, 14 dynes/cm(2) shear force caused a 9-10-fold increase. These results show that osteoblastic response to shear force is modulated by surface topography. The shear-force-mediated decrease in osteoblast differentiation seen in cultures on rough surfaces may be due to increased production of PGE2.     

Characteristics of the surface oxides on turned and electrochemically oxidized pure titanium implants up to dielectric breakdown: the oxide thickness, micropore configurations, surface roughness, crystal structure and chemical composition.

Titanium implants have been used widely and successfully for various types of bone-anchored reconstructions. It is believed that properties of oxide films covering titanium implant surfaces are of crucial importance for a successful osseointegration, in particular at compromized bone sites. The aim of the present study is to investigate the surface properties of anodic oxides formed on commercially pure (c.p.) titanium screw implants as well as to study 'native' oxides on turned c.p. titanium implants. Anodic oxides were prepared by galvanostatic mode in CH3COOH up to the high forming voltage of dielectric breakdown and spark formation. The oxide thicknesses, measured with Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), were in the range of about 200-1000 nm. Barrier and porous structures dominated the surface morphology of the anodic film. Quantitative morphometric analyses of the micropore structures were performed using an image analysis system on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) negatives. The pore sizes were < or = 8 microm in diameter and had 1.27-2.1 microm2 opening area. The porosity was in the range of 12.7-24.4%. The surface roughness was in the range of 0.96-1.03 microm (Sa), measured with TopScan 3D. The crystal structures of the titanium oxide were amorphous, anatase, and a mixtures of anatase and rutile type, as analyzed with thin-film X-ray diffractometry (TF-XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The chemical compositions consisted mainly of TiO2, characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The native (thermal) oxide on turned implants was 17.4 nm (+/- 6.2) thick and amorphous. Its chemical composition was TiO2. The surface roughness had an average height deviation of 0.83 microm (Sa). The present results are needed to elucidate the influence of the oxide properties on the biological reaction. The results of animal studies using the presently characterized surface oxides on titanium implants will be published separately.     

Soft tissue response to microtextured silicone and poly-L-lactic acid implants: fibronectin pre-coating vs. radio-frequency glow discharge treatment

From in vitro studies it is known that a plasma-treatment can enhance cell spreading. Similar effects can be observed after pretreatment of the surface with a protein coating, to mediate cell adhesion. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the in vivo effects of these surface modifications, in a three-month experiment in a goat model. We made silicone and poly-L-lactic acid implants with double-sided parallel micro-grooves (depth 1.0 microm, width 10.0 microm), a random surface roughness, or a smooth surface. Implants either received a radio-frequency glow discharge (RFGD) treatment, a fibronectin (Fn) pre-coating, or no pre-treatment. Subsequently, they were inserted into subcutaneous pockets created on the flanks of goats for 1, 3 or 12 weeks. Histological analysis showed that a fibrous tissue capsule had formed around all implants. Histomorphometrical analysis was performed on capsule thickness, capsule quality and the implant-tissue interface quality. Fn-treated surfaces showed a considerable early inflammatory reaction. Besides this, RFGD treatment or Fn pre-coating did not further influence any of the measured parameters. In conclusion, pre-treatment of polymer implant surfaces with Fn or RFGD treatment did not significantly influence tissue reaction around implants with micro-grooved, roughened or smooth surfaces.     

Three-dimensional topographic scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopic analyses of the irradiation effect on teeth by Nd:YAG, Er: YAG, and CO(2) lasers

A three-dimensional analyzer installed in a scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the morphology and surface roughness using noncontact profilometry. Observations were carried out on the enamel and dentin surface irradiated by three different lasers: Nd:YAG (wavelength 1.06 microm), Er:YAG (2.94 microm), and CO(2) (10.6 microm). Spectroscopic analysis was done by Raman spectroscopy for nonirradiated and laser-irradiated surfaces. The lasers were applied perpendicularly to vertically sectioned and polished human extracted caries-free molars. The tooth was sectioned at each cavity for cross-section analysis after laser irradiation. Irradiation by Nd:YAG and CO(2) lasers of the enamel surface showed an opaque white color, different from dentin where the surface turned black. The Er:YAG laser induced no changes in color of the dentin. Numerous cracks associated with thermal stress were observed in the CO(2) laser-irradiated dentin. Noncontact surface profile analysis of Er:YAG laser-irradiated enamel and dentin showed the deepest cavities, and direct cross-sectional observations of them showed similar cavity outlines. The CO(2) laser-irradiated dentin had the least surface roughness. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that fluorescence from the laser-irradiated tooth was generally greater than from nonirradiated teeth. Bands in dentin attributed to organic collagen matrix were lost after Nd:YAG and CO(2) laser irradiation, and a broad peak due to amorphous carbon appeared. The Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentin showed no sign of a carbon band and had more suitable results for dental ablation. Noncontact surface profile analysis was effective to evaluate the structural change in the tooth in the microarea of study after laser irradiation.