Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
11:51
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
16.0K
Surface microtexture and hydroxyapatite coating integrity of titanium dental implants following clinically relevant
Mahmoud Elkahly1, Mohamed Elshewy1, Rafael Rocha Pacheco1
1Department of Restorative Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.
Summary
High insertion torque damages dental implant surfaces and nanohydroxyapatite coatings. Controlled torque is crucial for preserving implant surface features essential for osseointegration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Implantology
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Dental implants often feature nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) coatings to enhance osseointegration.
- Understanding the impact of insertion torque on these delicate surface structures is critical for clinical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how varying insertion torques affect the surface microtexture and nHAP coating integrity of titanium dental implants.
- To assess material transfer to the surrounding substrate under different torque conditions.
Main Methods:
- Titanium implants with nHAP coatings were subjected to insertion torques of 30, 60, and 80 Ncm in bone analogs.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for surface evaluation.
- Macroscopic coating loss was quantified via photographic analysis.
Main Results:
- Torque-dependent degradation of surface microtexture and nHAP coating integrity was observed.
- Significant coating loss, surface smoothing, and abrasion marks occurred at 60 and 80 Ncm.
- EDS confirmed material transfer of implant elements into the substrate at higher torques.
Conclusions:
- Excessive insertion torque (≥60 Ncm) progressively damages implant surface features and nHAP coatings.
- These surface alterations may compromise osseointegration, highlighting the need for controlled insertion torque.
- Clinical protocols should balance mechanical stability with the preservation of engineered implant surfaces.
