Characterization of the surface properties of commercially available dental implants using scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

Background: Since osseointegration of the respective implant is claimed by all manufacturing companies, it is obvious that not just one specific surface profile including the chemistry controls bone apposition. Purpose: The purpose was to identify and separate out a particular set of surface features of the implant surfaces that can contribute as factors in the osseointegration process. Material and Methods: The surface properties of several commercially available dental implants were extensively studied using profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Ultrathin sections prepared with focused ion beam microscopy (FIB) provided microstructural and chemical data which have not previously been communicated. The implants were the Nobel Biocare TiUnite (R) (Nobel Biocare AB, Goteborg, Sweden), Nobel Biocare Steri-Oss HA-coated (Nobel Biocare AB, Yorba Linda, CA, USA), Astra-Tech OsseoSpeed (TM) (Astra Tech AB, Molndal, Sweden), Straumann SLA (R) (Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland), and the Branemark Integration Original Fixture implant (Branemark Integration, Goteborg, Sweden). Results: It was found that their surface properties had differences. The surfaces were covered with crystalline TiO2 (both anatase and rutile), amorphous titanium oxide, phosphorus doped amorphous titanium oxide, fluorine, titanium hydride, and hydroxyapatite, respectively. Conclusion: This indicates that the provision of osseointegration is not exclusively linked to a particular set of surface features if the implant surface character is a major factor in that process. The studied methodology provides an effective tool to also analyze the interface between implant and surrounding bone. This would be a natural next step in understanding the ultrastructure of the interface between bone and implants.