Bone tissue response to plasma-nitrided titanium implant surfaces

A current goal of dental implant research is the development of titanium (Ti) surfaces to improve osseointegration. Plasma nitriding treatments generate surfaces that favor osteoblast differentiation, a key event to the process of osteogenesis. Based on this, it is possible to hypothesize that plasma-nitrided Ti implants may positively impact osseointegration. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo bone response to Ti surfaces modified by plasma-nitriding treatments. Material and Methods Surface treatments consisted of 20% N2 and 80% H2, 450°C and 1.5 mbar during 1 h for planar and 3 h for hollow cathode. Untreated surface was used as control. Ten implants of each surface were placed into rabbit tibiae and 6 weeks post-implantation they were harvested for histological and histomorphometric analyses. Results Bone formation was observed in contact with all implants without statistically significant differences among the evaluated surfaces in terms of bone-to-implant contact, bone area between threads, and bone area within the mirror area. Conclusion Our results indicate that plasma nitriding treatments generate Ti implants that induce similar bone response to the untreated ones. Thus, as these treatments improve the physico-chemical properties of Ti without affecting its biocompatibility, they could be combined with modifications that favor bone formation in order to develop new implant surfaces

Endosseous implant optimization:from implant surface modifications to bone regeneration

Replacing one or several missing teeth, whether for reasons of pathology or trauma, has become very common. A system of artificial roots are inserted and integrated in the mandible or the maxilla to support fixed or removable restorations. The implant has to be mechanically stable, and integrated into the bone in order to mediate and distribute, as physiologically as possible, the biomechanical stresses applied to the system tooth-bone, a phenomenon called osseointegration. The success of a good osseointegration is multifactorial, including the materials properties (chemical, physical mechanical and structural), the implant design, the surgical techniques, the pathophysiological context and the bone health and quality. During our research, we focused on two particular issues: 1- The materials “ surface characteristics », and more specifically the surface chemistry of endosseous implants on which we applied various thin metallic coatings. 2- The « health and bone quality » by developping innovative materials for bone regeneration. We demonstrated that TiNxOy coatings may be applied to various metallic substrates to improve their osseointegration, allowing the use of materials more efficient mechanically, beyond their native biocompatibility. On the other hand, we also developed an innovative bone substitute by using 3D-printing processes. This material, structurally highly organized, may lead to an osseoconduction rate (i.e. the capacity for a structure to conduct bone cells migration and growth) that is largely superior to actual standards. This material is also resorbable, and may support the development of a mature bone tissue. These works open a broad range of perspectives both in the basic science and in the applied science, including, as for example, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of osseointegration, or the development of hybrid materials combining cells, bioceramics and hydrogels in a prevasscularized osseoconductive structure

Le titane : son potentiel allergique est-il lié à sa corrosion ?

Since decades, implantology is predominantly dominated by titanium thanks to its mechanical and biological properties. However, questions related to its ageing and its resistance to corrosion have rarely been asked. A phenomenon named tribocorrosion was reported in the recent literature resulting in the release of titanium particles into the soft tissues and the bone. The scientific evidence has shown particles could interact with osteoclasts, affect the cellular homeostasis of fibroblasts and promote inflammatory reactions. Regarding any allergic reactions to titanium, data remained limited and subject to controversy in their interpretation. Nowadays, titanium dioxide is commonly used by the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutic industry

L'ostéoblaste, tout ce que vous avez toujours voulu savoir sans jamais oser le demander

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