In vitro and in vivo experimental studies on single crystal sapphire dental implants

Successful attachment of the oral tissues to an endosseous dental implant relies in part on its chemical stability, nontoxic properties and maintenance of normal cell functions in the surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate these 3 factors experimentally. The corrosion resistance of single crystal sapphire (alpha-Al2O3) implants was analysed with respect to the release of aluminium ions; no ions could be detected in the test solutions. The influence of single crystal sapphire on the behaviour of human epithelial cells and fibroblasts derived from biopsies of the oral mucosa, was studied. The cells were cultured in chemically defined or in low serum-containing media. Compared to the corresponding control cultures, no effects on cell morphology and growth characteristics were observed. Sapphire rods were inserted subcutaneously into rats and tissue responses were examined after 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-implantation. None or slight reactions were found in the tissues. The combined evaluation of these experimental approaches indicates that single crystal sapphire is a material well suited for biological implantation.