Development of Dental Implant withPeriodontal Ligament : Part1 Adhesion of Poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) onto Titanium Implant and Their Surface Modification

Abstract

Adhesive strength between titaniumand various kinds of commercial polymers was evaluated. Among them, poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVA) showed the highest strength, which might be due to its high hydrophilicity and relatively low melting point. Hydroxyl groups in EVA could be easily converted into carboxyl groups by ozone exposure and the amount of type-I collagen immobilization onto the surface of EVA varies with that of carboxyl groups. These findings might make it possible to culture the periodontal ligament cells on the surface of artificial titanium dental roots, leading to a regeneration of a periodontal ligament.