Molecular precursor method for thin carbonate-containing apatite coating on dental implants.

Abstract

The molecular precursor method is an easy and simple method for coating thin carbonate-containing apatite (CA) films onto titanium surfaces. A molecular precursor solution containing ethanol, calcium-EDTA complex, and phosphate salt was dropped onto a titanium surface and then heated at 600°C for 2 h. An adherent thin CA coating was achieved. Animal implantation experiments showed that CA-coated implants had significantly higher bone-to-implant values than non-coated implants (p<0.05). The molecular precursor method was also used to coat three-dimensional titanium webs (TWs). Thin CA films could be coated inside the center area, as well as the surface of the TW, with excellent bone formation inside the CA-coated TW. Furthermore, the molecular precursor method was used to coat partially stabilized zirconia with CA. Better bone response was observed for CA-coated zirconia. From this, it is concluded that the molecular precursor method is useful for producing thin CA coatings on implant materials.