title: Micro-Raman spectroscopic analysis of TiO₂ phases on the root surfaces of commercial dental implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the TiO2 phases of the root surface of commercially available titanium dental implants, subjected to various surface treatments.
  
  
  METHODS
  The titanium implants studied were: Allfit (ALF), Ice (ICE), IMZ TPS (TPS), Laser Lok (LLK), Prima Connex (PRC), Ospol (OSP), Osseospeed TX (OSS), Osseotite Full (OTF), Replace Select (RPS), SLA (SLA) and Trilobe (TRB). The root parts of the implants (n:2) were analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy employing argon ion laser excitation (514.5nm wavelength) and a 100 μm × 100 μm sampling area at two randomly selected sites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The spectra of OSP and RPS showed the characteristic peaks of anatase, with traces of rutile (RPS). Complex phases composed of anatase, rutile and amorphous TiO2 were identified in ALF, ICE and LLK. Rutile and amorphous TiO2 were found in PRC, OSS, OTF, TPS and TRB, whereas rutile and possibly brookite were traced in SLA. In all implants, except OSP and RPS, peaks assigned to organic impurities (CH2, CH3) and carbonates were recorded. Ti2O3 was identified in OTF, PRC and Al2O3 in TRB.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Great variations in the TiO2 polymorphs were registered among the implant root surfaces tested. Considering the important differences in the biological activity of these polymorphs, it can be concluded that provision of information regarding the TiO2 state on implant surfaces should be a mandatory task for implant manufacturers.
authors.affiliation: General & Specialist Dental Practice Department, University of Sharjah, College of Dentistry, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gaintantzopoulou
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomaterials, University of Athens, School of Dentistry, Greece.
authors.forename: Spiros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zinelis
authors.affiliation: Biomaterials Science Unit, University of Manchester School of Dentistry, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Silikas
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomaterials, University of Athens, School of Dentistry, Greece. Electronic address: geliad@dent.uoa.gr.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Eliades
mesh_terms: D015921:Dental Implants; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014092:Tooth Root
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium
keywords: Raman spectroscopy; Titanium dental implants; Titanium dioxide polymorphs