Effect of laser surface texturing on primary stability and surface properties of zirconia implants

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different laser surface texturing parameters on static and dynamic coefficient of friction values of Yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) against bone to assess the primary stability of implants. The ability of the textures to promote osseointegration, as measured by wettability, and eventual changes in roughness, due to possible aging during sterilization, were also assessed. 3Y-TZP disks were divided into four groups: as sintered sample, sandblasting and etching treatment, laser irradiation using two output power of 0.9 and 1.8 W. The friction tests were carried out by using a pin-on-plate configuration, being the pins the 3Y-TZP disks and the plates the bone. The surfaces were inspected by SEM/EDS and by surface roughness profilometer. Wettability characteristics were also evaluated by drop contact angle, and aging was assessed, after laser treatments, by XRD analysis. Results demonstrate that with laser surface texturing of zirconia it is possible to combine better wettability, better aging performance, and better primary stability, as compared to traditional - Sand blasting and Etching treatments. Thus, it is shown that the laser irradiation technique is a promising alternative to conventional sandblasting and etching procedures.