Characterization of titanium surfaces for dental implants with inorganic contaminant

Abstract

The aim of this research was to characterize titanium surfaces blasted with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particles using the KS 400 digital image processing program. Samples of grade II titanium plates were submitted to blasting processes using particles of Al2O3, and treated with a hydrofluoric acid-based solution. Three digital images from each sample surface were obtained using Scanning Electron Microscopy, and half-quantitative chemical analyses were subsequently performed using Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, parameters related to the alumina phase, such as the concentration level, the area and perimeter of the particles and their circular form factor were measured using KS 400. The mechanical/chemical treatment caused depressions up to 10 microm on homogeneous surfaces. Although the chemical attack significantly removed the alumina phase, residual particles could still be identified by the EDS. The average area occupied by the alumina phase on the samples surfaces was 469.32 (+/- 284.98) microm2, the particle average perimeter was 81.61 (+/- 27.68) microm, and the mean circular form factor was 0.60 (+/- 0.05). Characterizing the titanium surface is essential in the evaluation of the material manufacturing process because the presence of residual aluminum particles may have deleterious effects on the formation of the osseous/implant tissue.

Effect of a cordless retraction paste material on implant surfaces: an in vitro study

“…11 Al ions are suspected to impair bone formation by a possible competitive action with calcium that could affect success in osseointegration. 12 However, Piattelli et al showed results that did not support this hypothesis. 13 SEM images at ×5000 magnification did not show any sign of corrosion, and the surface alterations observed were not consistent with corrosion.…”

Relationship Between the Surface Chemical Composition of Implants and Contact With the Substrate

“…Thus, surface analysis can determine the best type of implant for each specific clinical case. 18 The surface characterization of titanium (Ti), besides being important for verification of possible morphologic and composition changes, is essential to assess the implant's manufacturing process and prevent the introduction of residual particles that can cause deleterious effects on bone tissue formation due to the wide range of elements and chemicals that can appear during manufacture and storage 19 -factors that can influence the implant's primary stability. 20 Surface contamination by secondary hydrocarbon and exposure to air is not harmful to osseointegration.…”

Effect of implant surface microtopography by hydroxyapatite grit-blasting on adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblast-like cell line, MG-63

“…Nevertheless, the biological effects of residual alumina particles on titanium surfaces are controversial in the literature [42][43][44][45] . Bone healing around residual alumina in alumina grit-blasted titanium implants is impaired.…”