Superior biocompatibility and osteogenic efficacy of micro-arc oxidation-treated titanium implants in the canine...

The aim of this paper is to test implantation outcomes and osteogenic efficacy of plasma micro-arc oxidation (MAO)-treated titanium implants in dogs. Thirty-six pure titanium implants (18 MAO-treated, 18 untreated) were inserted into the mandibles of nine adult beagles and allowed to heal under non-weight-bearing conditions. Implant stability and interface characteristics were evaluated at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-implantation. Methods included scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, histological analysis and computer-quantified tissue morphology. Osseointegration was achieved in both groups, but occurred earlier and more extensively in the MAO group. Areas of direct bone/implant contact were approximately nine times higher in the MAO group than in the control group at 12 weeks (65.85% versus 7.37%, respectively; p < 0.01). Bone-implant shear strength in the MAO group (71.4, 147.2 and 266.3 MPa at weeks 4, 8 and 12, respectively) was higher than in the control group (4.3, 7.1, and 11.8 MPa at weeks 4, 8 and 12, respectively), at all assessments (all, p < 0.01). MAO treatment of titanium implants promotes more rapid formation of new bone, and increases bone-implant shear strength compared to untreated titanium implants.