Histomorphometric and removal torque analysis for TiO2-blasted titanium implants. An experimental study on dogs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Implantology
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Dental implant anchorage is crucial for successful osseointegration.
• Surface modifications can enhance implant stability and bone integration.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) blasting is a surface treatment technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the anchorage of TiO2-blasted screw and cylindrical implants versus machine-produced (m.p.) implants.
• To evaluate the effect of TiO2 blasting on implant stability in immediate extraction socket placements.
• To assess the surface characteristics and bone contact of different implant types.

Main Methods:

• Immediate placement of TiO2-blasted and m.p. screw and cylindrical titanium implants into extraction sockets in dogs.
• A 12-week healing period followed by removal torque testing.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface analysis and histomorphometry for bone-implant contact assessment.

Main Results:

• TiO2-blasted implants required significantly higher removal torque forces than m.p. implants (medians >150 Ncm and 105 Ncm vs. 60 Ncm and 35 Ncm).
• SEM revealed greater surface irregularity for TiO2-blasted implants, with higher Ra and Rz roughness values.
• No significant difference in direct bone-implant contact fraction was observed between TiO2-blasted and control implants (mean 69%).

Conclusions:

• TiO2-blasted titanium implants exhibit enhanced anchorage compared to machine-produced implants.
• Screw-type implants demonstrate superior anchorage over cylindrical implants.
• Surface roughness from TiO2 blasting positively influences implant stability without negatively impacting bone contact.