Wear resistance of nickel-titanium endodontic files after surface treatment

Objectives The purpose of this work was to submit the Nitinol files to plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and evaluate the effects of the surface treatment. Materials and Methods Wear resistance was determined in vitro by using an equipment for the application of horizontal movements on previously prepared notched plates made of resin. Vickers microhardness was measured in plates and files, before and after surface treatment and the surface chemical composition of the instruments was determined by X-rays photoelectron spectroscopy. Results The hardness values found for the treated Nitinol files were significantly lower than the hardness values measured before the implantation process. The comparison of commercially available instruments shows that the wear resistance of the stainless steel file is higher than the resistance of the Nitinol. Conclusions The results found led to the conclusion that the surface treatment significantly increased the Nitinol files wear resistance.19103273327

A novel technique for tailored surface modification of dental implants a step wise approach based on plasma immersion ion implantation

Objectives A novel technique based on plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is presented to modify titanium implant surfaces. Materials and methods Initially, the implants are cleaned with argon to remove contaminants and the nanostructures are created by the bombardment of the surface with a mix of noble gases. Desired crystal structure of the titanium is obtained by the implantation of oxygen on the contaminant-free surface with particular nanostructures. Results In this study, turned implants modified by PIII revealed a high density of rutile-TiO2 nanostructures. Turned implants used as control revealed mainly microstructures and amorphous crystal structure. Surface roughness values were similar at the microscale for both turned and turned+PIII implants. Bone response was evaluated by removal torque tests of implants placed in the rabbit tibia and femur. After 4weeks of healing, turned+PIII demonstrated higher removal torque values (P=0.001) compared to turned implants. Conclusions The presence of rutile-TiO2 nanostructures may explain the improved bone formation to turned+PIII implants.244461467Exopro S/A, P-I Branemark Philosophy, Bauru, Brazi