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Comparative evaluation of osteoblastic cell adhesion on titanium and titanium zirconium alloyed implants using
Ann Mary Varghese1, Kurien Varghese2, Smita Sara Manoj2
1Postgraduate student, Department of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research, Kollam, Kerala, India.
Statement Of Problem:
Despite the clinical use of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium zirconium alloyed (Ti- Zr) implants, a significant research gap exists on the initial osteoblastic cell adhesion in clinically used implant designs. The early stage of osteoblastic cell adhesion plays a critical role in the osseointegration process and is essential for the long-term success of dental implant-supported prostheses.
Purpose:
The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the initial osteoblastic cell adhesion at 3 different locations (peak or top, flank, and valley) on the surface of CpTi and Ti-Zr alloy implants.
Material And Methods:
Commercially available Grade IV cpTi and Ti-Zr alloy implants (Ø4.1×16-mm) were tested. Each implant was sectioned into two 4-mm portions above the tapered area. The 20 implant specimens (n=10) thus obtained were categorized into 2 groups: cpTi and Ti-Zr alloy. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured and seeded onto the implant specimens. After 48 hours of incubation, cell adhesion was examined using confocal microscopy and quantified at peak or top, flank, and valley locations with an automated cell counting software program. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-way ANOVA followed by a parameter estimate test (α=.05).
Results:
The Ti-Zr alloy implant specimens showed significantly higher osteoblastic cell adhesion across all 3 surface locations compared with cpTi implant specimens (P<.05). For both implant types, the valley area demonstrated significantly higher cell adhesion compared with the top and flank areas (P<.001).
Conclusions:
Ti-Zr alloyed implant surfaces demonstrated enhanced osteoblastic cell adhesion compared with cpTi surfaces. The implant thread geometry, particularly the valley area, showed the most significant cell adhesion, which may contribute to improved osseointegration.
