Electrochemical surface modification of titanium for implant abutments can affect oral bacteria contamination

Purpose: This research concerns the characterization of an electrochemical surface treatment applied to titanium, focused especially on the treatment of the transmucosal area of dental implants and abutments. The treatment is applied to improve soft tissue adhesion, to control and limit bacteria adhesion and proliferation, and to improve the aesthetic performance through a proper colorization of the metal surface. Methods: The electrochemical treatment considered, obtained on titanium by Anodic Spark Deposition technique (ASD), was performed in a calcium phosphate enriched solution. The bacteria behaviour was assessed by in vitro and in vivo tests. Results: The investigated ASD treatment showed some antibacterial effect. No negative cytocompatibility effects were found on MG63 - human osteosarcoma cell lines and L929 - murine fibroblasts. Conclusions: The ASD modified treatment was found capable of modifying the titanium oxide layer providing a prevalent anatase crystalline structure and a microporous morphology, which can play an important role in the tissue integration process. The treatment was found capable of enriching the surface with calcium, providing improved biocompatibility and a light gray colorization. This last point is important for the aesthetic improvement of dental implant systems in the transgingival area. (Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Biomechanics 2008; 6: 170-7)