Patient-specific Ti dental implants with antimicrobial properties

Abstract

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Although the success rate of dental implants is high, complications such as lack of osseointegration and peri-implantitis can occur. In this study a new type of dental implant is designed that mimics the root shape of the to be extracted tooth. These types of implants can be placed directly after extraction. To create these type of implants, CBCT scan, 3DXpert software, and SLM printing techniques are used. The aim of this current study is to investigate the application possibilities of antimicrobial surfaces created with the PEO process on these new types of dental implants and compare them with standard screw-type implants. Both implant types were analysed in terms of surface morphology, chemical composition, phase composition, Ag ion release profile and in vitro antimicrobial activity. All surfaces of the implants were successfully treated using the PEO process. The titanium oxide layer was formed homogeneously on all implants and resulted in a microporous surface layer. Using the zone of inhibition test, it was identified that all implants showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), however a larger growth inhibition zone was identified for porous patient-specific implants than screw-type implants. The ion release test indicated that a higher ion release was found on the porous patient-specific implants with a higher surface area than the screw-type dental implants, which is probably related to the surface area of the implants. This study indicates it is possible to create patient-specific dental implants that show antimicrobial properties against MRSA.