Microscopic observations of the bone/implant interface of surface-treated titanium implants.

Light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate osseointegration of extraoral titanium implant surfaces treated by either autoclaving, exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), or radiofrequency glow discharge (RFGD). Ultraviolet and RFGD-treated implants showed faster healing in the initial 5-week to 3-month period. By 6 months of healing, no structural differences were found at the bone/implant interface among the different treatments. It was concluded that UV or RFGD surface treatment of titanium implants may shorten the time interval between placement and loading.