Surface characteristics of titanium dental implants with improved microdesigns: An in vivo study of their osseointegration performance in goat mandible.

Current trends in endosseous implant research are focused on the modification of microdesign of implants to achieve early and strong osseointegration. This study compares the influence of zinc doped hydroxyapatite (ZnHAp) coated, hydrothermally treated (HT) and machined Ti6Al4V (control) implants on osseointegration. The surface characterisation and microbial affinity test for implants were performed. Twenty seven (27) cylinders (3 types in each animal) were placed in the mandible of 9 black Bengal goats. Bone-implant interface was examined with histological, radiological parameters and scanning electron microscopy at 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-implantation. Surface roughness alterations of bone-separated implants were analysed by non-contact profilometer with time. The ZnHAp coated implants revealed direct and early bone-implant contact but high bacterial adherence and coating cracks. Low bacterial affinity and early strong bony integration was observed with HT implants. Poor bacterial affinity and delayed but strong fixation was evident with control implants. Based on the results of laboratory and animal experiments, we conclude that the hydrothermal modification of titanium implant is the more suitable way to achieve safe and effective osseointegration than the other two implant types for endosseous application.