An Experimental Anodized Titanium Surface for Transgingival Dental Implant Elements—Preliminary Report

Abstract

The characteristics such as microtopography, physical and chemical properties influence the behavior of an implant in a soft tissue. Anodization—as a potent method of titanium alloy surface modification—of the transgingival abutment or healing screw, has achieved some improvement. One of the possible surface treatment method is low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical properties and cytocompatibility of the experimental surface. Titanium discs made of grade-23 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) anodized (A sample) with different voltage parameters (28, 67, 78, and 98 V) were included in the study. Half of the samples regarded as the “S” group were additionally treated with low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment. The surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemically investigated via a corrosion test. Furthermore, two cell lines were used, including the CHO-compatible reference line and a primary human fibroblast line for the MTT assay; direct (contact) cytotoxicity of the materials was tested with the cells, and the growth of fibroblasts on the surfaces of the different materials was tested. The morphology of the “S”-treated samples did not differ from the morphology of only-anodized samples. However, the oxygen concentration on the surface in that group slightly increased by about 1% as a result of post-trial treatment. The highest corrosion resistance was observed for both A-78 V and S-78 V samples. The cytotoxicity assay revealed no changes in cell morphology or vitality. The MTT test proved comparable culture viability among all groups; however, the “S” samples showed statistically significantly higher fibroblast proliferation and adhesion scores compared to the “A” samples. Through the in vitro study, the low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment of the anodized Ti-6Al-4V alloy presented itself as an auspicious option in the field of transgingival element surface modification of implants.

Antimicrobial Properties of TiNbSn Alloys Anodized in a Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte

“…In a previous study, we also demonstrated the improvement of osseointegration of TiNbSn alloys anodized in a sulfuric acid electrolyte [ 21 , 22 ]. Anodic oxidation of titanium alloys has been reported to improve corrosion resistance and biocompatibility [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. The anodic oxidation technique is expected to be a surface processing technology that can improve the function of titanium alloys.…”

“…TiNbSn alloys may be superior titanium alloys as substrates for anodic oxidation. The anodic oxidation of other titanium alloys, such as Ti6Al4V alloys, has also been reported to improve osseointegration, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Currently, only sulfuric acid anodization under high-voltage conditions has achieved both improved bone affinity and antibacterial performance, and the development and advancement of other anodization techniques is expected in the future.…”

An Experimental Anodized and Low-Pressure Oxygen Plasma-Treated Titanium Dental Implant Surface—Preliminary Report

“…Wang et al [ 26 ] have found that titanium disc surfaces treated with low-temperature argon–oxygen plasma are more hydrophilic compared to nontreated surfaces, and the activation with plasma can enhance the attachment, proliferation, and mineralization of osteoblasts on the surfaces. A recent study by Hadzik et al [ 27 ] has shown that the anodization of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and its further low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment is a promising method of implant transgingival parts modification. Cheng et al [ 28 ] have found that, when bioactive oxide film on titanium dental implants is created by the oxygen plasma, bone cells’ differentiation and osseointegration are improved.…”

Soft-Tissue Augmentation around Dental Implants with a Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) and Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix (CMX)—5-Year Follow-Up

“…Many other factors are important for the well-being and stability of the tissues surrounding the implant; attention is paid to the materials of prosthetic components that contact the soft tissue [33].The interesting results of an animal study were recently presented by Kulakov et al [34]. Kulakov found that the improved treatment effect of collagen matrices can be achieved when bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells obtained from the subject animal are injected; additionally, they found that the implantation of collagen matrices under the mucoperiosteal flap leads to better augmentation outcomes [34].…”