Surface chemistry effects of topographic modification of titanium dental implant surfaces: 1. Surface analysis

PURPOSE: To analyze the surface composition of 34 different commercially available titanium dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surface composition was evaluated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Samples were divided into 4 groups, depending on their surface topography (machined, sandblasted, acid etched, or plasma sprayed). RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data showed a clear relationship between surface composition and topography, which can be easily accounted for by the chemical effects of the surface treatment performed. On average, acid-etched and plasma-sprayed surfaces had higher titanium and lower carbon concentration than machined surfaces. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Current studies aimed at the evaluation of implants with different topography should not implicitly assume that topography is the only variable controlling the biologic response. Rather, when comparing different topographies, it should be taken into account that surface chemistry may be a variable as well.