Evaluation of titanium dental implants after early failure of osseointegration by means of X-ray photoelectron spectoscopy, electron microscopy and histological studies

P Lázaro,M Herrero,F J Gil

doi:10.4236/jbise.2010.311139

Abstract

In this work, we analysed 56 clinically failed and retrieved implants by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and histological studies. The surface contamination was compared to that of unused control implants and with that of the same implants after cleaning in a basic medium. The surfaces of the unused implants presented considerable contamination. In particular, high levels of carbon were detected. The nature of this C was elucidated by XPS analysis of the lubricant used in the machining process. The same contamination was observed in the retrieved implants. Histological studies were carried out by means of light microscopy. Fibrosis and granulomatous lesions were detected in the tissues. XPS analysis indicated the presence of traces of other elements (Na, Ca, Zn, S, F, etc.) that were not related to impurities in cpTi. We examined a cleaning process in a basic medium that eliminates the organic components of the implant surfaces. The cleaned implants were implanted in the patients and the results were excellent. None of the implants failed in following 7 months.

Highlights

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated the presence of traces of other elements (Na, Ca, Zn, S, F, etc.) that were not related to impurities in cpTi
We examined a cleaning process in a basic medium that eliminates the organic components of the implant surfaces
The results show that the contact time with air prior to XPS analysis produced a slight increase in the carbon signal due to absorption from the air

Summary

Introduction

Titanium dioxide is the material that is in contact with the body tissues. This allows the direct apposition of the bone to the implant surface. Control of the surface characteristics of titanium implants is essential to achieving optimal tissue response during the healing of bone and soft tissues. A lack of attention to surface cleanliness could be responsible for the loss of an implant—perhaps years after surgery. The origin of surface contaminants warrants consideration. Serious contamination could arise during the production of the material. The sterilization procedure and the handling of the implant during surgery are other possible sources of contamination

Methods

Results

Conclusion