Osseointegration of loaded dental implant with KrF laser hydroxylapatite films on Ti6Al4V alloy by minipigs

Abstract

This study was performed with the objective of evaluating osseointegration of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V dental implants coated with hydroxylapatite (HA) deposited by a KrF laser. For this a KrF excimer laser and stainless-steel deposition chamber were used. The thickness of the HA films was approximately 1 μm. In this investigation experimental animals minipigs were used; the implants were placed vertically into the lower jaw. After 14 weeks of unloaded osseointegration, metal-ceramic crowns were inserted and, at the same time fluorescent solution was injected into the experimental animals. Six months after insertion of crowns the animals were sacrificed. The vertical position of the implants was checked by a radiograph. Microscopic sections were cut and ground, and the sections were examined under polarized and fluorescent light using a microscope with a charge coupled device camera. The six month long osseointegration in the lower jaw has confirmed the presence of newly formed bone around all the implants. In the experimental group, which had a laser-deposited coating, the layer of fibrous connective tissue was seen only randomly. In the control group (titanium implant without a cover) the fibrous connective tissue between the implant and the newly formed bone was observed more frequently, but this difference was not significant.