Bone quality around implants: a comparative study of coating with hydroxyapatite and SIO₂-TIO₂ of TI₆AL₇NB implants

Abstract

Bone quality around dental endosseous implants is a key factor in implant prognosis. Surface coatings represent an important method to increase osseointegration in oral implantology. Newer titanium alloys such as Ti₆Al₇Nb are under research in order to replace the commonly used Ti₆Al₄V, for a better osseointegration, with lower risks. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the most commonly used coating, but others such as SiO₂-TiO₂ are under development in search for a better biological response. In this study, screw-type Ti₆Al₇Nb, Ti₆Al₇Nb-HA, and Ti₆Al₇Nb-SiO₂-TiO₂ implants were placed into the femur of six New Zealand White Rabbits. Three months later, the samples were harvested and examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results showed a better osseointegration of surface coated Ti₆Al₄Nb implants. No differences could be found between hydroxyapatite and SiO₂-TiO₂ coatings. These Ti₆Al₇Nb alloy coatings could be considered in the future for implant manufacturing.

Keywords:

• Ti₆Al₇Nb
• implant
• coating
• hydroxyapatite
• SiO₂-TiO₂
• osseointegration
• SEM
• EDX

Additional information

Funding

This paper was published under the frame of European Social Fund, Human Resources Development Operational Program 2007–2013 [project no. POSDRU/159/1.5/S/138776].