Clinical Research Directory

'Evaluation of Photo-Functionalisation Effect on Dental Implants by ICP-MS'

Dental implants are used to rehabilitate and restore aesthetic and functional losses caused by tooth loss. They are made of titanium, which is considered to have the best biological safety as a material. However, it is known that implants can continuously corrode, releasing titanium particles and increasing the overall titanium content in the human body. This increased local concentration can lead to damage in intraepithelial hemostasis, exacerbation of inflammatory reactions in surrounding tissues, bone resorption, implant failure, allergic reactions, and accumulation in distal organs through blood and lymph pathways. The surface properties of implants play a critical role in their corrosion behavior, with surface free energy and hydrophilicity providing advantages for implant osseointegration and wound healing. The titanium oxide layer covers the outer surface of the implant and helps maintain its integrity against external factors. It is known that UV light-mediated photo-functionalization reduces carbon concentration on the implant surface and increases oxygen levels, thereby improving the osseointegration of titanium. The hydroxylated oxide surface shows reactivity with ions, amino acids, and proteins in tissue fluid. Additionally, UV irradiation can create oxygen vacancies at bridging sites between titanium and oxygen atoms, forming a -OH hydrophilic layer in the outermost layer. Given that the oxide layer on the titanium surface provides corrosion resistance for implants, increasing surface hydrophilicity and thus strengthening osseointegration will also confer resistance to corrosion on titanium. Although the mechanism of titanium particle release is not fully understood, it is influenced by the surface structure of the implant and wear from surgical operations, making it a concern that needs to be addressed. In light of all this information, the aim of the study was to evaluate titanium particle release in implants with increased surface hydrophilicity by UV photofunctionalization during surgery and three months later during the healing process using ICP-MS.