Henniker Plasma, a manufacturer of plasma surface treatment equipment, discusses how plasma treatment can improve osseointegration of dental implants.
Titanium dental implant undergoing plasma treatment
Plasma treatment is a proven method to enhance the surface characteristics of dental implants and improve their osseointegration potential. Plasma treatment can modify the surface chemistry, morphology, and energy of dental implants, creating a more favourable environment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.
Plasma treatment can also reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on dental implants, which can prevent implant-related infections and improve implant survival. Therefore, plasma treatment is a valuable tool to improve the clinical outcomes of dental implant therapy, leading to better clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
The SLA/SA surface technique
The most widely used technique for increasing roughness on the surface of titanium dental implants is the SLA/SA surface technique. Developed in the late 1990s, it involves two steps: first, a large-grit sandblasting process that creates a macro-roughness on the titanium surface; second, an acid-etching process that adds a micro-roughness. The resulting surface texture provides a suitable environment for cell attachment and improves the speed and quality of osseointegration compared to smooth surfaces.
One of the drawbacks of the SLA/SA procedure is that the sandblasting process may leave some blasting material embedded into the surface of the implants, which can interfere with the osseointegration process. Another disadvantage is that the surface remains hydrophobic, which means that it repels water and may affect the initial cell attachment to implants.
[1] Backscatter-SEM micrographs of the analysed implant systems. Note the various numbers and sizes of the Al2O3 particles (black dots) remaining on the surface following etching. Scale bar: 200 μm.
The images below are taken from a scientific publication investigating the contamination effects of the SLA/SA technique on various implants. “The purpose of this study was to analyse different commercially available implant systems with a SA-modified surface and to explore the widespread notion that they have similar surface properties regarding morphology and cleanliness. SA-modified surfaces of nine implant systems manufactured by Alpha-Bio Tec, Camlog Biotechnologies, Dentsply Sirona Dental, Neoss, Osstem Implant, Institute Straumann, and Thommen Medical were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and examined for surface cleanliness.” [1] They found that during the SLA/SA manufacturing process remnants of contamination were left embedded on the implants.
Development of a hydrophilic SLA surface treatment process
A recent collaboration between Henniker and a dental implant manufacturer set out to investigate and to optimise the plasma treatment process. The implants underwent process trials designed to achieve decontamination and improved hydrophilicity.
Image shows the difference between a hydrophilic plasma treated implant (L) & an untreated implant (R).
By applying a gas mixture of argon and oxygen to the implant surface, plasma treatment can be shown to remove more organic contaminants than traditional cleaning methods, while also improving wettability. Increasing implant wettability allows it to attract blood into its micropores when implanted into tissue, creating a blood clot that stabilises the implant during the initial phase of osseointegration. Osseointegration
is the process of forming a direct connection between living bone and an artificial implant. The surface of this material also enhances the immobilisation of ions and the formation of an apatite layer. Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals that are found in bone and teeth. The presence of an apatite layer on the implant surface is a key factor for inducing new dentin formation.
Dental implants in the Henniker HPT-500 Plasma Cleaner
The full plasma treatment can be performed in a short time, less than 10 minutes, using a benchtop vacuum plasma device, such as the Henniker HPT-500, that can handle various shapes and sizes of implants. With this system, the implant manufacturer was able to implement plasma treatment as part of their manufacturing process.
The process developed by the manufacturer combines the benefits of the SLA/SA technique and plasma treatment. The result is implants with superior hydrophilicity, antibacterial activity, and rapid osseointegration.
PEEK implants and plasma treatment
PEEK, short for Polyetheretherketone, is a high-performance biomaterial renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The use of PEEK in dental implants provides patients with a reliable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Its lightweight nature makes it comfortable for patients, while its strength ensures durability and stability in the oral environment. Furthermore, PEEK dental implants offer natural aesthetics, seamlessly blending with the surrounding teeth.
[2] Comparative plot of the resulting contact angle of different test liquids (water (ANOVA tested, p = 0.05 indicated by *), formamide, diiodomethane) and surface energies on PEEK after surface modification using atmospheric (PDD, 18 W, 120 s, 10 mm,) and low-pressure plasma (LP, 100 W, 120 s, 2 sscm) (n = 10).
Henniker Plasma systems are also being used to enhance the performance of PEEK dental implants, as reported in a recently published research article. This treatment again promotes better osseointegration, the process by which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, ensuring enhanced implant stability and reduced risk of implant failure. The plasma treatment also optimises the implant's surface for improved bioactivity, which encourages the growth of bone cells around the implant, leading to a stronger and more integrated dental restoration.
Plasma treatment can be carried out chair-side with a small benchtop vacuum plasma, such as the HPT-100. The fully ‘immersive’ plasma treatment has been demonstrated to produce a significant increase in surface wettability when compared with e.g., handheld piezoelectric plasma devices [2] as shown in the chart.
Benefitting patients
With the combined benefits of PEEK and titanium materials, and Henniker Plasma's surface treatment, dental professionals can confidently offer their patients a reliable solution for restoring their smiles.