A new functional graded dental implant design with biocompatible and antibacterial properties

Abstract The dental implant is in contact with different tissue and bone types throughout the area where it is placed. In this study, a functional grade implant sample was designed considering these change zones. The part inside the jawbone was made of silver-coated porous titanium-(10 wt%)hydroxyapatite, while the amount corresponding to the gingiva was made of pure dense titanium. The titanium-(10 wt%)hydroxyapatite fraction was obtained with a porosity of approximately 62% and a density of 1.63 g/cm3. In addition, the elastic modulus of this region was calculated as an average of 12 GPa. These values are consistent with those of cortical bone. Apatite particles deposited after soaking in simulated body fluid are evidence of high biocompatibility. The compressive strength of the functionally graded sample was found to be approximately 35 MPa, which is sufficient to withstand the chewing forces by a large diameter dental implant. In addition, antibacterial properties were provided by the deposition of silver particles on the surface of the porous titanium-(10 wt%)hydroxyapatite. This new biosample, a functionally graded composite, has shown promising results for dental implants.