Laser-Induced µ-Rooms for Osteocytes on Implant Surface: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Laser processing of dental implant surfaces is becoming a more widespread replacement for classical techniques due to its undeniable advantages, including control of oxide formation and structure and surface relief at the microscale. Thus, using a laser, we created several biomimetic topographies of various shapes on the surface of titanium screw-shaped implants to research their success and survival rates. A distinctive feature of the topographies is the presence of “µ-rooms”, which are special spaces created by the depressions and elevations and are analogous to the µ-sized room in which the osteocyte will potentially live. We conducted the comparable in vivo study using dental implants with continuous (G-topography with µ-canals), discrete (S-topography with μ-cavities), and irregular (I-topography) laser-induced topographies. A histological analysis performed with the statistical method (with p-value less than 0.05) was conducted, which showed that G-topography had the highest BIC parameter and contained the highest number of mature osteocytes, indicating the best secondary stability and osseointegration.

Surface Modification and Functionalities for Titanium Dental Implants

“…Veiko et al irradiated the surface of the Ti implant with a laser and obtained three different micromorphology surfaces by adjusting the trajectory of the laser. 62 As shown in Figure 5B and C, compared to the nonsurface treatment, the surface of the implant irradiated by a laser showed obvious and regular distribution of microscopic texture. Subsequent in vivo experiments showed that the G-shape texture had the most significant effect on osseointegration.…”

“…These techniques can be broadly classified into two types. The first type is surface treatment, such as sandblasting, , acid etching, , anodizing, , and laser irradiation. , These technologies effectively modify the roughness, hardness, and oxidation of Ti. The other type is coating.…”

“…By adjusting the parameters of the laser radiation, different morphologies of implant surfaces can be achieved, and the surface modification can be finely controlled down to the nanoscale. Veiko et al irradiated the surface of the Ti implant with a laser and obtained three different micromorphology surfaces by adjusting the trajectory of the laser . As shown in Figure B and C, compared to the nonsurface treatment, the surface of the implant irradiated by a laser showed obvious and regular distribution of microscopic texture.…”

“…(A) Schematic representation of the laser processing process; (B) Different topography of laser processing surface schematic, and (C) SEM images. Reproduced from ref . Copyright 2022, MDPI.…”

Influence of Hybrid Surface Modification on Biocompatibility and Physicochemical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V ELI Titanium

“…Laser texturing proves to be a precise, accurate, reproducible, and environmentally friendly technique for modifying surfaces. Literature findings reveal that the laser-texturing process not only results in an enhancement of tribological behavior attributed to improved lubrication [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], but also leads to superior microbiological properties owing to the contact guide effect [ 22 , 23 ].…”