Comparative In Vitro Study of Surface Treatment of Grade II Titanium Biomedical Implant

Abstract

Titanium is the gold standard material in oral implantology due to its convenient properties: biocompatibility, low density, high resistance, high rigidity, excellent bone attachment and biological stability. Many researchers have proved that it is possible to improve the implant fixation and to reduce osseointegation time through surface treatments, which lead to the development of an adequate topography. In this study, discs of commercially pure titanium, grade II were subjected to sand blasting using Al₂O₃ particles, acid etching using HF and HCl/H₂SO₄ solutions and 600°C heat treatment during one hour. To determine in vitro behavior, samples were submerged in simulated body fluid. The obtained surface characterization was observed by scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalyzer. Results showed titanium as the only component of the treated surfaces, which proves acidic treatment effectiveness and an elevated decontamination; moreover, this treatment achieved a submicrometric topography that may influence on clot retention and bone matrix formation. Heat treatment samples showed a coating of crystalline agglomerations, whose elemental composition was calcium and phosphorus, apatitic kind, which follows the rough morphology of substrate.