Plasma Treatment Maintains Surface Energy of the Implant Surface and Enhances Osseointegration

Abstract

The surface energy of the implant surface has an impact on osseointegration. In this study, 2 surfaces: nonwashed resorbable blasting media (NWRBM; control) and Ar-based nonthermal plasma 30 days (Plasma 30 days; experimental), were investigated with a focus on the surface energy. The surface energy was characterized by the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble method and the chemistry by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Five adult beagle dogs received 8 implants (n = 2 per surface, per tibia). After 2 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and half of the implants (n = 20) were removal torqued and the other half were histologically processed (n = 20). The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) were evaluated on the histologic sections. The XPS analysis showed peaks of C, Ca, O, and P for the control and experimental surfaces. While no significant difference was observed for BIC parameter (P > 0.75), a higher level for torque (P < 0.02) and BAFO parameter (P < 0.01) was observed for the experimental group. The surface elemental chemistry was modified by the plasma and lasted for 30 days after treatment resulting in improved biomechanical fixation and bone formation at 2 weeks compared to the control group.

Changes in surface characteristics of titanium and zirconia after surface treatment with ultraviolet light or non‐thermal plasma

“…In this study, non‐thermal plasma created thicker oxide layers on both materials and significantly increased the concentration of titanium oxide. Using a non‐thermal plasma jet (and not a non‐thermal plasma oven, as in the present study), several studies were able to show decreasing amounts of carbon remnants and increasing concentrations of oxygen on rough titanium surfaces . In a recent study, Canullo et al .…”

“…Although a time‐dependent increase in hydrophilicity was shown by Aita et al . for UV light up to 48 h of treatment , a time interval above 15 min seems to be barely practicable under clinical conditions.…”

“…Several studies have described the effects of UV light and non‐thermal plasma on titanium and zirconia surfaces in changing the surface chemistry, attracting cells in vitro, and finally improving osseointegration in vivo (, , ). Apart from examining superhydrophilicity, Noro et al .…”

Bone Response to Surface-Modified Titanium Implants: Studies on the Early Tissue Response to Implants with Different Surface Characteristics

“…Increased platelet adhesion and activity [66], as well as increased protein adsorption [63, 65] are factors that are demonstrated to influence the cellular response on surfaces with high wettability. In addition, results from recent in vivo studies indicate enhanced bone response on titanium surfaces with higher surface energy [60, 67, 68] under experimental conditions. …”

Accelerated Healing Period with Hydrophilic Implant Placed in Sheep Tibia

“…The sheep model used in our study is considered to be suitable for biomedical research due to the similarities of sheep to humans regarding weight, the structure of joints, bone tissue and particularly bone regeneration (22,23). Thus, sheep are an excellent model for the evaluation of dental implant systems designed for humans.…”