Investigation of the Effectiveness of Dental Implant Osseointegration Characterized by Different Surface Types

Different surfaces were obtained by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy; followed by hydrothermal treatment (HT). The surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS); X-ray Diffraction (XRD); Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) absorption and abrasion wear tests. The resulting surface contains hydroxyapatite (HA); which contributes to superior implant osseointegration. Treated implants were introduced into rabbits and their osseointegration was studied after two and six months. It was established that implant surface area increases due to pore formation. Pore formation and hydroxyapatite on the surface of the implant qualitatively change contact osseogenesis processes with reduced duration of osseointegration of implants. The treatment of the surface of the implants by the combination of PEO and HT provided better results in the medico-biological investigations than PEO alone. Abrasion tests demonstrated that the HA will be preserved after the procedure of implantation; ensuring effective osseointegration.