The Surface Anodization of Titanium Dental Implants Improves Blood Clot Formation Followed by Osseointegration

The anodization of titanium dental implant influences the biologic processes of osseointegration. 34 grit-blasted and acid-etched titanium specimens were used to evaluate micro- and nano-roughness (Ra), contact angle (θ) and blood clot extension (bce). 17 samples were anodized (test) while the remaining were used as control. The bce, was measured using 10 µL of human blood left in contact with titanium for 5 min at room temperature. The micro- and nano-scale Ra were measured under CLSM and AFM, respectively, while the θ was analyzed using the sessile drop technique. The bone-implant contact (BIC) rate was measured on two narrow implants retrieved for fracture. bce was 42.5 (±22) for test and 26.6% (±13)% for control group (p = 0.049). The micro-Ra was 6.0 (±1.5) for the test and 5.8 (±1.8) µm for control group (p > 0.05). The θ was 98.5° (±18.7°) for test and 103° (±15.2°) for control group (p > 0.05). The nano-Ra was 286 (±40) for the test and 226 (±40) nm for control group (p < 0.05). The BIC rate was 52.5 (±2.1) for test and 34.5% (±2.1%) for control implant (p = 0.014). (Conclusions) The titanium anodized surface significantly increases blood clot retention, significantly increases nano-roughness, and favors osseointegration. When placing dental implants in poor bone quality sites or with immediate loading protocol anodized Ti6Al4V dental implants should be preferred.