Processing, characterization and biological testing of electrochemically modified titanium for dental implants

Biomedical applications of titanium and its alloys are possible due to their suitable characteristics for bone replacement; including good mechanical properties, excellent corrosion resistance and high biocompatibility. However, one of their main limitations is the fibrous tissue capsule that is formed around the material, which can be related with implants loosening. As an alternative to solve this problem, this work carried out some chemical and electrochemical modifications of titanium surface, in order to evaluate their influence on implants osteointegration through in vitro testing in contact with osteoblasts. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), roughness parameters measured and osteoblasts morphology indicated that there is a relationship between surface roughness and bone cells adhesion. Surfaces with highest vertical roughness parameters, within evaluated conditions, allowed better cells adhesion. These results suggested that a combination of chemical and electrochemical techniques can help to control surface roughness of titanium dental implants and can also allow to optimize osteointegration.