Photofunctionalization of Dental Implant Surfaces - A Histomorphometric Animal Study

AIMS: To compare and evaluate the degree of osseointegration of UV-treated (photo functionalized) and non-treated dental implants surface coated with Calcium phosphate using the Resorbable Blast Media (RBM) technique in an animal model. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Evaluative-Animal study design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six titanium dental implants of diameter 3.2 mm and length of 8 mm with Calcium phosphate coated surface using RBM or resorbable blast media technology (Implant Genesis: Genesis Normo Implant system) were placed epicrestally into the proximal femoral condyle of New Zealand white female rabbits such that each animal received two implants. Before implantation, one out of the two dental implants was photo functionalized with intense UV light for 15 minutes. After twelve weeks of healing, the animals were euthanized and the harvested specimens were analyzed using histomorphometric light microscopy to assess two parameters bone-implant contact and bone volume density. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SPSS version 23. P less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Tests used ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: All six dental implants were osseointegrated. The overall mean bone-implant contact area (BIC) was 57.76% for non-UV treated whereas 88.4367% for UV-treated dental implants. The overall mean bone volume density (BVD) was 32.2333% for non-UV treated whereas 67.7533% for UV-treated dental implants. CONCLUSION: Significant effects were observed on the osseointegration of dental titanium implants within twelve weeks after UV photo functionalization. The UV photo functionalization of dental titanium implants in the current study significantly altered the BIC and bone density on osseointegration when observed over twelve weeks.