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.