Structural, morphological, compositional, and mechanical changes of palatal implants after use: a retrieval analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Orthodontic palatal implants are used for anchorage during treatment.
• Understanding their long-term behavior in the oral environment is crucial for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize surface, elemental, and mechanical changes in orthodontic palatal implants after intraoral aging.
• To evaluate the impact of intraoral exposure on implant integrity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of nineteen retrieved orthodontic palatal implants and three unused controls.
• Non-destructive characterization using stereomicroscopy, optical profilometry, and SEM/EDX.
• Destructive analysis including instrumented indentation testing and SEM/EDX at the bone-implant interface.

Main Results:

• Retrieved implants showed loss of gloss and bone-like deposits on surfaces.
• Surface roughness parameters did not differ significantly between retrieved and control regions.
• Elemental analysis revealed Ca and P on retrieved surfaces, indicative of biological interaction.
• No significant differences in mechanical properties (hardness, indentation modulus) were found between retrieved and control implants.
• A well-formed bone-implant interface was observed.

Conclusions:

• Intraoral aging induces morphological and elemental alterations on palatal implant surfaces, likely related to osseointegration.
• Implant insertion and functional loading do not compromise the mechanical properties of these implants.