Effects of magnesium-substituted nanohydroxyapatite coating on implant osseointegration.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare magnesium-substituted and pure hydroxyapatite coatings on the promotion of osteogenesis in vitro and on the osseointegration in vivo. METHODS: Electrochemically deposited pure hydroxyapatite (EDHA) or electrochemically deposited magnesium-substituted hydroxyapatite (EDMHA) coatings were formed on the surface of pure titanium disks or implants. MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were cultured in the EDHA and EDMHA coated disks, and cell growth, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin secretion were measured at various time points. For studies on osseointegration, 30 roughened implants coated either with EDHA or EDMHA (n = 15 for each coating) were implanted in the femurs of 15 NZW rabbits. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, femurs were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation (n = 5 for each coating at each time point). RESULTS: MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on EDMHA coated disks showed increased cell number, ALP, and osteocalcin secretion compared with the EDHA coated disks at all time points (P < 0.05 for all). Histologic observation of the coated implants showed woven bone in direct contact with both implant surfaces after 2 weeks and mature bone after 8 weeks. While there were no differences in the amount of bone between the threads at any time point, the percentage of implant in direct contact with bone (bone implant contact) was slightly higher along the EDMHA coated implants at 2 weeks (P = 0.086), although this difference was no longer seen at 4 and 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Mg-substituted HA coated surfaces promote osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts in vitro and may improve implant osseointegration during the early stages of bone healing compared with pure EDHA coated surfaces.

Synthesized silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite coating on titanium substrate by electrochemical deposition.

Silicon-substituted hydroxyapaptite (Si-HA) coatings were prepared on titanium substrates by electrolytic deposition technique in electrolytes containing Ca(2+), PO(4)(3-) and SiO(3)(2-) ions with various SiO(3)(2-)/(PO(4)(3-) + SiO(3)(2-)) molar ratios (η(si)). The deposition was all conducted at a constant voltage of 3.0 V, with titanium substrate as cathode and platinum as anode, for 1 h at 85°C. The coatings thus prepared were characterized with inductively coupled plasma (ICP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission-type scanning electron microscope (FSEM). The results show that the silicon amount in the coatings increases linearly to about 0.48 wt% at first with increasing η(si) between 0 and 0.03, then increases slowly to about 0.55 wt% between 0.03 and 0.10 and finally maintains almost at a level around 0.55 wt% between 0.10 and 0.30. The tree-like Si-HA crystals are observed in the coatings prepared in the electrolyte of η(si) = 0.20. And the presence of silicon in electrolytes decreases the thickness of the coatings, with effect being more significant as η(si) increased. Additionally, the substitution of Si causes some OH(-) loss and changes the lattice parameters of hydroxyapatite (HA).

In vivo comparison of bone formation on titanium implant surfaces coated with biomimetically deposited calcium phosphate or electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare bone formation on titanium implant surfaces coated with biomimetically deposited calcium phosphate (BDCaP) or electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite (EDHA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The implants were separated into three groups: a control group, a BDCaP group, and an EDHA group. Surface analysis was performed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Implants were inserted in a randomized arrangement into rabbit tibiae. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the tibiae were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed that the BDCaP crystals were flakelike and the EDHA crystals were rodlike with a hexagonal cross section. X-ray diffractometric patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra showed that the BDCaP coating consisted of HA and octacalcium phosphate, whereas the EDHA coating consisted of HA. Histologic observation showed that new bone on the EDHA-coated implant became mature after 4 weeks, while new bone on the control and BDCaP-coated implants was mature after 8 weeks. The EDHA implant showed significantly greater BIC and bone area compared to the control and BDCaP implants during 4 to 8 weeks. The BDCaP coating failed to show increased bone formation during the test period. CONCLUSION: The present EDHA coating has good bone formation properties, while the BDCaP coating has weaker bone formation properties.

Biomechanical comparison of biomimetically and electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite-coated porous titanium implants.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of biomimetically and electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite on the fixation of an implant with bone tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants were separated into 3 groups: roughened group, biomimetically deposited calcium-phosphorus (BDCaP) group, and electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite (EDHA) group. We randomly inserted 90 implants into the femurs of 45 rabbits. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the femurs were retrieved and prepared for removal torque tests (RTQs) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy observation. RESULTS: During the test period, the EDHA group showed significantly greater RTQ values than did the roughened group and BDCaP group. The BDCaP group failed to increase the RTQ values compared with the roughened group. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the amount of attached bone tissue on the EDHA-coated implant surface was more than that on the roughened and BDCaP-coated implant surfaces during the test period. CONCLUSION: The electrochemical hydroxyapatite coating contributes to the fixation between bone and implant compared with the roughened surface, whereas the biomimetic calcium-phosphorus coating has little effect on the fixation.

Effect of H2O2/HCl heat treatment of implants on in vivo peri-implant bone formation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of H2O/HCl heat treatment on peri-implant bone formation in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Ti-6Al-4V implants and 30 Ti-6Al-4V discs were used in this study. The implants and discs were separated into 2 groups: sandblasted and dual acid-etched group (control group) and sandblasted, dual acid-etched and H2O2/HCl heat-treated group (test group). Surface morphology, roughness, and crystal structure of the discs were analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and low angle X-ray diffractometry. The implants were inserted into the femurs of 10 adult white rabbits. Animals were injected with fluorescent bone labels at 1, 5, and 7 weeks following surgery to monitor progress of bone formation. Animals were euthanized 8 weeks postsurgery, and block biopsies were prepared for histologic and histometric analysis. RESULTS: Microscopic evaluation showed the surfaces were quite irregular for both techniques; however, the test surface demonstrated consistently smaller surface irregularities. The differences in Sa values were significant (P = .022). No significant differences were found in the maximum peak-to-valley ratio values (P = .258). X-ray diffractometry analysis showed that titanium dioxide was found on the test surface. New bone was formed on both implant surfaces. The bone-implant contact pattern appeared to produce a broad-based direct contact. Test implants demonstrated 7.13% more bone to implant contact (P = .003) and 15.42% more bone to implant contact for 3 consecutive threads (P = .001) than control implants. Test implants demonstrated 37.04% more bone area 500 microm outside of implant threads (P = .004) and 51.97% more bone area within 3 consecutive threads (P = .001) than control implants. No significant differences were found in bone area within all implant threads between the two groups (P = .069). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that implants heat-treated with H2O2/HCl solution enhanced peri-implant bone formation.

[Comparison of mechanical properties on different phase transformation points of nickel-titanium orthodontic wires].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical properties of different phase transformation of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires. METHODS: Nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires with same-sized (0.016") but different phase transformation were examined using a three-point bend test. Samples were tested at same conditions and oral temperature(37 degree), but in different utmost strain capacity, then the strain-stress chart was obtained, the phase transformation point (Af) was also examined. RESULT: The wires of the highest phase transformation point had the least orthodontic force; on the contrast the least phase transformation point had the highest orthodontic force at 3.0 mm utmost strain capacity. The orthodontic forces were not different at the little strain capacity (P >0.05), but which was significantly different adove the 0.5 mm (P<0.05), which was same as 3.0 mm. CONCLUSION: The nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires with high level of phase transformation have low orthodontic forces and more stability.

Biological fabrication of nacreous coating on titanium dental implant.

Titanium screws with 3.5mm diameter and 8mm length, as well as titanium flat sheets with size 4 mm x 8 mm x 0.3mm, were implanted into the epithelial mantle pearl sacs of a fresh water bivalve (Hyriopsis cumingii Lea) by replacing the pearls. After 45 days of cultivation, the implant surfaces were deposited with a nacre coating with iridescent luster. The coating could conform to some extent the thread topography of the screw implant and was about 200-600 microm in thickness. The coating was composed of a laminated nacreous layer and a transitional non-laminated layer that consisted mainly of vaterite and calcite polymorphs of calcium carbonate. The transitional layer was around 2-10 microm thick in the convex and flat region of the implant surface and could form close contact with titanium surface; while the transitional layer was much thicker in the steep concave regions and could not form close contact with the titanium surface. The reasons for inhomogeneity in thickness and the variation in interface character were discussed and the improvement to the design of the dental implant with respect to this coating method was suggested in the paper. The results suggest that it is possible to fabricate a biologically active and degradable, and mechanically tough and strong nacre coating on titanium dental implant by this novel coating technology.

Osteogenesis of rat mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblastic cells on strontium-doped nanohydroxyapatite-coated titanium surfaces.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the promotion of osteogenesis in vitro on three types of titanium surfaces: a strontium-hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA)-coated surface, a nano-HA-coated surface, and an uncoated roughened surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sr-HA and HA were placed on disks with a roughened titanium surface by electrochemical deposition. MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells and rat bone mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the Sr-HA, HA-coated, and uncoated roughened disks, and cell adhesion, proliferation, viability, osteogenic differentiation, and formation of mineralized nodules were measured at various time points. RESULTS: The Sr-HA coating produced by a simple electrochemical deposition treatment evidently enhanced the attachment, spreading, alkaline phosphatase activity, and extracellular matrix calcium mineralization of mouse bone mesenchymal stem cells and MC3T3-E1 cells compared with an untreated roughened titanium surface and a nano-HA-coated surface. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a Sr-doped nano-HA coating produced through electrochemical deposition improves the osteoconductivity of a microrough titanium surface.

Bioactive titania-gel layers formed by chemical treatment of Ti substrate with a H2O2/HCl solution.

An amorphous titania gel layer was formed on the titanium surface after the titanium specimen was treated with a H2O2/0.1 M HCl solution at 80 degrees C. The thickness of the gel layer increased almost linearly with the period of the treatment. A subsequent heat treatment above 300 degrees C transformed gradually the amorphous gel to the anatase crystal structure and the rutile started to appear after heat treatment at 600 degrees C. Meanwhile, the densification of the gel occurred significantly after heat treatment above 700 degrees C. Similar to the sol-gel derived titania gel coatings. titania gel layers obtained in the present study exhibited in vitro apatite deposition ability after the gel layers exceeded a minimum thickness (0.2 microm) and was subsequently heated in a proper temperature range (400-600 degrees C).

Effects of zinc-substituted nano-hydroxyapatite coatings on bone integration with implant surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a zinc-substituted nano-hydroxyapatite (Zn-HA) coating, applied by an electrochemical process, on implant osseointegraton in a rabbit model. METHODS: A Zn-HA coating or an HA coating was deposited using an electrochemical process. Surface morphology was examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The crystal structure and chemical composition of the coatings were examined using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A total of 78 implants were inserted into femurs and tibias of rabbits. After two, four, and eight weeks, femurs and tibias were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation and removal torque (RTQ) tests. RESULTS: Rod-like HA crystals appeared on both implant surfaces. The dimensions of the Zn-HA crystals seemed to be smaller than those of HA. XRD patterns showed that the peaks of both coatings matched well with standard HA patterns. FTIR spectra showed that both coatings consisted of HA crystals. The Zn-HA coating significantly improved the bone area within all threads after four and eight weeks (P<0.05), the bone to implant contact (BIC) at four weeks (P<0.05), and RTQ values after four and eight weeks (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that an electrochemically deposited Zn-HA coating has potential for improving bone integration with an implant surface.

Osteoblast response to puerarin-loaded porous titanium surfaces: an in vitro study.

Recent studies demonstrate puerarin stimulates bone formation, suggesting its potential application in dental implantology field. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of puerarin-loaded titanium surfaces on the promotion of osteogenesis in preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). Puerarin was prepared onto titanium surfaces with varying concentration (10(-9) M, 10(-8) M, 10(-7) M, and 10(-6) M) by biomimetic calcium phosphate deposition process. Surface characteristics were performed by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Puerarin concentration in the coatings was performed by High-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) analyses. FSEM observation showed puerarin concentration influenced formation of sharp flakes in the coating. The size of flakes decreased with increase of puerarin concentrations. XRD and FTIR examinations demonstrated the puerarin concentration did not affect the chemical compositions of coatings, which composed of octacalcium phosphate (OCP). Puerarin concentration on the surfaces of 10(-8) M group was 10.22 ± 0.32 ng/cm(2) . Puerarin had an increased effect on MC3T3-E1 ALP activities. Significant differences were found in 10(-8) and 10(-7) M groups on day 4, 10(-8) , 10(-7) , and 10(-6) M groups on day 7, and 10(-8) on day 14. In Type I collagen synthesis assay, 10(-9) and 10(-8) M on day 7, 10(-8) on day 14 showed significant differences compared with control group. Furthermore, this stimulatory effect of puerarin was also observed in osteocalcin release assay (p < 0.05, at 10(-8) M and 10(-7) M, maximal at 10(-8) M). These results indicate puerarin-loaded titanium surfaces promote accelerated osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts, which has the potential to improve the nature of osseointegration.

Effect of strontium-substituted nanohydroxyapatite coating of porous implant surfaces on implant osseointegration in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of a strontium-substituted nanohydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) coating, deposited onto porous implant surfaces using an electrochemical process, on implant osseointegration in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surfaces were analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), a portable surface roughness tester, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Thirty implants (half HA-coated and half Sr-HA-coated) were inserted into femurs of 15 rabbits. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the femurs were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: Microscopic examination showed a surface topography of rodlike crystals on both surfaces. XRD and FT-IR showed that the phase of the deposits was HA. No differences were found in surface roughness between the two groups. ICP-AES showed that the Sr/(Ca+Sr) molar ratio of Sr-HA coating was 10.1 mol%. Histologic observation showed that new bone appeared on both surfaces after 2 weeks and became mature after 8 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis showed no differences between the two groups in bone-to-implant contact at 2 weeks or in bone area within all threads at 2 and 4 weeks. The Sr-HA coated group had significantly higher bone-to-implant contact at 4 and 8 weeks. Significant differences were also found in bone area at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that this Sr-HA coating, deposited using an electrochemical process, has the potential to enhance implant osseointegration.

Osteoblast response to porous titanium surfaces coated with zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to deposit a zinc-hydroxyapatite (Zn-HA) coating on titanium surfaces by using the electrochemical process and investigate the cell response to the Zn-HA-coated titanium surface. STUDY DESIGN: Surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Murine preosteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1) proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin release on Zn-HA-coated surfaces were compared with HA-coated surfaces. RESULTS: Field-emission SEM observation showed rod-like HA crystals with a hexagonal cross-section on the HA-coated surface, although the hexagon of the cross-section of Zn-HA crystals became irregular. ICP-AES analysis showed that Zn was present in the Zn-HA coatings at a Zn/(Ca+Zn) molar ratio of 1.04%. Significant increases in cell proliferation, ALP activity on day 7, and osteocalcin production on day 14 (P < .05) were observed for Zn(2+)-containing HA-coated surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that a Zn-HA coating deposited by using the electrochemical process enhances proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, which has the potential benefit to enhance implant osseointegration.

A novel method to synthesize hydroxyapatite coating with hierarchical structure.

A novel process has been developed for the preparation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating with a hierarchical structure on a Ti substrate. The Ti substrate was first subjected to electrolytic deposition at -1.6V (versus Ag/AgCl/KCl) in a solution of 0.042M Ca(NO(3))(2)·4H(2)O and 0.025M NH(4)H(2)PO(4) at 85°C for 3min, and then post-treated in a 0.25M NaOH solution, with the addition of 0.05M Na(3)Cit at 85°C for 5h. The experimental results showed that the coating experienced a phase conversion from octacalcium phosphate to HA after the post-treatment step. The HA coating had well-distributed, micro-sized pores comprising three-dimensional interconnected mesoporous HA belts, which would greatly increase the porosity and surface area of the coating.

Effect of trisodium citrate on electrolytic deposition of hydroxyapatite coatings.

Hydroxyapatite coatings were deposited on the titanium substrate by using various content Na3Cit as an organic modifier in electrolytes. The influence of the Na3Cit on the sizes of the HA crystals during electrolytic deposition was investigated under different molar ratio of Na3Cit to calcium ions. The experimental results showed that the size of HA crystal was well controlled by the addition of Na3Cit. When the molar ratio of Na3Cit to calcium ions was equal or greater than five, the obtained HA coating consisted of nanosized crystals. The HA nanoparticles were precipitated without a precursor phase when the molar ratio of Na3Cit to calcium ions was five; otherwise, the CaP coating experienced a phase conversion from octacalcium phosphate (OCP) to HA during the ELD. The effect of pH on saturation indexes with respect to hydroxyapatite, OCP, and dicalcium dihydrogen phosphate of these electrolytes was calculated by a computer program PHREEQC. The calculation showed the nucleation of OCP as the precursor during the deposition could be inhibited with increasing Na3Cit content in the electrolytes.

In vivo evaluation of bone-bonding ability of RGD-coated porous implant using layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly.

RGD has been demonstrated to improve implant osseointegration. However, few studies are known about an effect of RGD coating on a bone-bonding ability of screw-shaped porous implant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RGD coating using the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique on the bone-bonding ability of porous implant. 60 implants of 10 mm in length (30 control and 30 RGD-coated) were inserted into femurs of 30 rabbits and 30 implants of 8 mm in length (15 control and 15 RGD-coated) were inserted into tibias of 15 rabbits. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-implantation, femurs and tibias were retrieved and prepared for removal torque tests (RTQ) and histomorphometric evaluation, respectively. No differences were found in the RTQ values between two implants at 4 weeks (p = 0.932). There were statistical significances in the RTQ values at 8 and 12 weeks (p = 0.002, 0.001, respectively). New bone was formed on both implant surfaces. The bone-implant contact pattern appeared to produce a broad-based direct contact in both implants. The RGD-coated implants showed a significantly greater BIC in the threads inside the cortical bone compared with the control implants at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (p = 0.024, 0.041, 0.022, respectively). No differences were found in the bone area within the same threads between two implants at 4 weeks (p = 0.806) whereas differences were found at 8 and 12 weeks (p = 0.009, 0.031, respectively). It was concluded that RGD coating using the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique has a positive effect on the bone-bonding ability of porous implant.

Effects of biomimetically and electrochemically deposited nano-hydroxyapatite coatings on osseointegration of porous titanium implants.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of biomimetically and electrochemically deposited nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on the osseointegration of porous titanium implants after 6 and 12 weeks of insertion in a rabbit bone model. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-two roughened implants were separated into 3 groups: roughened group, biomimetically deposited CaP (BDCaP) group, and electrochemically deposited HA (EDHA) group. Implant surface morphology of 3 groups (n = 6) was performed by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM). Thirty-six implants were randomly inserted into tibias of 18 rabbits. After 6 and 12 weeks, tibias were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: FSEM showed the BDCaP crystals were flakelike, whereas the EDHA crystals were rodlike with a hexagonal cross section. Histological observation showed bone growth along the surfaces after 6 weeks. New bones were also seen on the BDCaP and EDHA implant surfaces in the marrow space. New bone on the roughened and EDHA implants became mature after 12 weeks. The EDHA implant showed significantly greater BIC and bone area compared with the roughened and BDCaP implants during 6 to 12 weeks (P < .05). The BDCaP implants did not evidently increase BIC and bone area compared to the roughened implants during the test period (P > .05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the EDHA coating has a better bone integration potential than does the BDCaP coating.

Bone responses to titanium implants surface-roughened by sandblasted and double etched treatments in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate bone responses to titanium implants surface-roughened by sandblasted and double-etched treatments in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty implants of 10 mm in length (30 machined and 30 roughened) were inserted into femurs of 30 rabbits and 30 implants of 8 mm in length (15 machined and 15 roughened) were inserted into tibias of 15 rabbits. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks postimplantation, femurs and tibias were retrieved and prepared for removal torque tests (RTQ) and histomorphometric evaluation, respectively. RESULTS: The roughened implants showed 66.21%, 89.06%, and 115.00% greater RTQ values than did the machined implants at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated the roughened implants significantly increased bone-implant contact and peri-implant bone formation during all observation periods. CONCLUSION: These results suggest this surface-roughened approach provides the implant surface with a considerable osteoconductive potential promoting a high level of bone integration with bone.

[An experimental study on fracture resistance of metal-ceramic crowned incisors with different post-core systems].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fracture resistance of metal-ceramic crown restored incisors with different post-and-core systems. METHODS: Selected 40 intact maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated and then randomly assigned to four groups of 10 teeth each. Teeth in Group A were prepared to root canal with 10 mm in length, 1.6 mm in diameter and restored with fiber-reinforced posts and composite cores. Same final preparation but root canal with 1.5 mm in diameter was achieved for teeth in the other three groups. Teeth in Group B were restored with prefabricated titanium alloy posts and composite cores and teeth in Group C were restored with cast nickel-chromium post-cores. The posts were luted with a composite resin luting system, and metal-ceramic crowns were restored and cemented with the same luting system for all of the teeth in Group A, B and C. The other 10 teeth were restored with cast nickel-chromium post-cores and metal-ceramic crowns as a control, which were cemented with glass-ionomer cement. All restored teeth were thermo-cycled for 5000 cycles (5 degrees C/55 degrees C) as a fatigue test. The tooth was loaded in a universal testing machine at an angle of 135 degrees to the long-axis at the incisal edge with a cross-head speed of 1.5 mm/min until fracture. Fracture loads (N) and modes (repairable or catastrophic) were recorded. One-way ANOVA and SNK test were used to determine the significance of the failure loads between groups. Chi-square test was conducted for evaluation of the fracture mode. RESULTS: The fracture loads from Group A, B, C and control group were (534.4 +/- 145.7) N, (499.8 +/- 168.9) N, (412.6 +/- 99.3) N, (337.4 +/- 121.2) N, respectively. A significant difference was existed among four groups (P < 0.05). The fracture loads of Group A and Group B were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05). The repairable mode of fracture observed from Group A to control group was 80%, 40%, 20% and 30%, Group A had a significantly higher number of repairable fractures than those of the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, fiber-reinforced post has an excellent fracture resistance, and can be recommended as an alternative to cast post-cores, especially for incisor esthetic restoration.

[Experimental study of fast formation of biomimetic apatite coatings on pure titanium surface].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate calcium-phosphate coating on commercial pure titanium substrate using a fast biomimetic procedure. METHODS: The titanium specimens were divided into two groups, group A and group B. The specimens of group A were only treated with the mixture of H2SO4/HCl for 30 min. The specimens of group B were treated with the mixture of H2SO4/HCl for 30 min, immersed into 5 mol/L NaOH solution at 60 degrees C for 24 h, and then heated to 600 degrees C and maintained for 1 h. All specimens were soaked into simulated body fluid-A (SBF) and SBF-B for each day. The surface morphology was observed by field scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Dense calcium-phosphate coating deposited on all the titanium surfaces of two groups. The calcium-phosphate coating consisted of spheric structure with a diameter of 1 approximately 3 microm, which was proved to be hydroxycarbonate apatite with the analysis of X-ray diffraction. CONCLUSIONS: Thin hydroxycarbonate apatite coating can deposited on pure titanium using a fast biomimetic procedure.