The Effect of Super-Hydrophilic Treatment on Zirconia Implant Osseointegration in Rats

Abstract

Surface modifications of implants can improve the rate of osseointegration. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of super-hydrophilic modification on tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) implant surface and its subsequent effect on the rate of osseointegration. The TZP implants were rendered super-hydrophilic by the use of ultraviolet light (UV) or via atmospheric-pressure plasma treatments (PL), on their surface and were compared to control specimen that any surface modification wasn’t performed (NC). According to the surface wettability and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the contact angle of water droplets on the surface of UV and PL was 0 degree, and their C1s peak was less than that of NC. The push-in test and histological analysis revealed that the super-hydrophilic modification enhanced the bone-implant integration and the formation of new bone around the TZP implants. Additionally, carbon removal and surface wettability enhancement likely improved the osseointegration rate. The study, therefore, demonstrates the design of future TZP implants, particularly for dental applications.