Abstract
Several studies have shown that a peridontal ligament can form on titanium dental implants which were placed in contact with the periodontal ligament of the retained roots. However, the following question is still critical: how do the periodontal ligament cells adhere to the implant surface? Little is known about the ultrastructure of the periodontal ligament cells-titanium interface. The objective of this study, therefore, was to gain insight into the morphology of the interface. Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured on thin titanium substrates obtained by electron beam evaporation of titanium. This technique allowed for the preparation of ultra-thin sections for transmission electron microscopy containing titanium substrate as well as the cells adhering to it. Transmission electron microscopy showed that periodontal ligament cells not only came into close contacts with the titanium surface, but also extended numerous cellular processes that contained microfilaments and an electron-dense plaque. In addition, collagen fibres were observed in some zones of the extracellular matrix contacts. The results provide evidence that periodontal ligament cells can develop attachments on titanium surface.
Published Version
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