Surface characterization of dental implants coated with hydroxyapatite by plasma spray and biomimetic process.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to characterize implants coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) using 2 different processes.


METHODS
Commercially pure titanium implants were coated with HA using a modified biomimetic process and the plasma spray process. These implants were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.


RESULTS
The plasma spray process generates a typical rough topography mainly consisting of HA. The HA coating produced by biomimetic process was partially dissolved in water and only a very thin layer of calcium titanate plus calcium phosphate and probably beta-tricalcium phosphate remained. In vitro test showed that both coatings can be considered bioactive.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified biomimetic process seems to be a simple and low-cost alternative to coat titanium with a high potential of In vitro application.
Vidigal
Guaracilei Maciel
GM
Department of Oral Implantology, School of Dentistry, Unigranrio University, Duque de Caxias, Brazil. vidigaljr@globo.com
Groisman
Mario
M
de Sena
Lídia Agata
LA
Soares
Glória de Almeida
Gde A
D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; D017886:Durapatite; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; D017886:Durapatite; D014025:Titanium