J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2008 Oct;46(5):490-499. 10.4047/jkap.2008.46.5.490.

Surface characteristics and stability of implants treated with alkali and heat

• Song YS
• Cho IH

• KMID: 2000406
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jkap.2008.46.5.490

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Bioactive materials must have the ability to spontaneously form a bone like apatite layer on their surface and induce direct biochemical bonding to bone. A simple chemical treatment via alkali and heat has been revealed to induce bioactivity in titanium. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface characteristics and stability of alkali and heat treated implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens were divided into three groups; group 1 was the control group with machined surface implants, groups 2 and 3 were treated with alkali solutions and heat treated in the atmosphere and vacuum conditions respectively. The surface characteristics were observed with FESEM, XPS, TF-XRD and AFM. Stability was evaluated with the resonance frequency analysis, periotest and removal torque values. One-way ANOVA and Duncan test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 1. Groups treated with alkali and heat showed similar characteristics. Groups 2 and 3 showed high compositions of Na ions on the surface with sub-micron sized pores compared to group 1. Group 2 showed mixed compositions of anatase and rutile with superior contents of rutile. 2. Resonance frequency analysis : The ISQ of group 2 showed significantly higher values than that of groups 1 and 3 at 12 weeks. The ISQ of groups 1 and 2 showed significant increase after 4 weeks, and the ISQ of group 3 increased significantly after 2 and 4 weeks respectively (P < .05). 3. Periotest: The PTV of groups 1 and 2 showed significant decrease after 4 weeks, and the PTV of group 3 showed significant decrease after 2 and 4 weeks respectively (P < .05). 4. Removal torque analysis: The removal torque value of group 2 was significantly higher than those of groups 1 and 3 at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The removal torque values of groups 1 and 3 showed increase at 4 and 12 weeks, but the removal torque value of group 2 showed increase after 4 weeks (P < .05). CONCLUSION: An oxide layer with appropriate crystal structure and amorphous sodium titanate layer can be obtained on titanium implants through alkali and heat treatment in the atmosphere, and even alkali and heat treatment in vacuum conditions, provided a bioactive surface containing sodium. These surface layers can be considered to be effective for enhancement of osseointegration and reduction of healing period for implant treatment.

Keyword

Alkali and heat treatment; Implant stability; Resonance frequency analysis; Periotest; Removal torque analysis

MeSH Terms

Alkalies
Atmosphere
Hot Temperature
Ions
Osseointegration
Oxides
Saturn
Sodium
Titanium
Torque
Vacuum
Alkalies
Ions
Oxides
Sodium
Titanium

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Experimental implant specimens.

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  Fig. 2. Fixture installation.

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  Fig. 3. FESEM (S-4100 CS, Hitachi Co., Tokyo, Japan) images of groups 1 (above), 2 (middle), and 3 (below).

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  Fig. 4. X-ray photoelectron spectra of the specimens.

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  Fig. 5. TF-XRD patterns of the surfaces of alkali and heat treated titanium.

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  Fig. 6. AFM (EasyScan E-AFM, Nano-Surf Co., Liestal, Switzerland) images of each specimen.

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  Fig. 7. Sa and Sq values of each group.

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  Fig. 8. Resonance frequency values (ISQ) of each group.

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  Fig. 9. Periotest values of each group.

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  Fig. 10. Removal torque values (Ncm) of each group.

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