Titanium implants were immersed in synthetic body fluid (SBF) and SS in an incubator at 37 degrees for seven days, followed by immersion in 1.5 SBF and incubated an additional 6 days at 37 degrees, with the SBF refreshed every two days (Rigo et al, 2004, 647). The implants were then washed in distilled, deionized water, dried at room temperature, and inserted into rabbit tibia for 8 weeks to determine osseointegration. The coatings were also analyzed by diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (DRIFT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For dental implants to be successful, good functional properties are essential. Gaggl and Schultes (2001, 3061-3966)reported on a new kind of implant which has a maintenance free shock absorbing system so that there is no need to replace abutments and fixation screws annually. Surface qualities of dental implants are important to achieve good osseoimplantation and good periimplant gingiva. Eccentric forces, overloading of implants, and stress forces cause periimplant bone loss in the crestal regions which are detrimental to the implants. The only way to eases the tension is by biokinetic abutments positioned in the implant neck region. This has been achieved in the past using silicon interpolated shock absorbing elements. The silicon abutments were in direct contact with the gingiva, which is not a good situation, so the present implants were designed to avoid this problem. Eisenbarth, E., Velten, D., Muller, M., Thull, R., & Breme, J. (2004). Biocompatibility of beta-stabilizing elements of titanium alloys. Biomaterials, 25, 5705-5713. Meitikos-Hukovic, M., Kwokal, A., & Piliac, J. (2003). The influence of niobium and vanadium on passivity of titanium-based implants in physiological solution. Biomaterials, 23, 3765-3775. |
