The Functionality of Ti-15Mo in Creating 3-D Porous Surfaces via Laser Powder Deposition for the Use in Dental Prosthetics

Two factors that lead to the failure of dental implants include stress shielding and implant loosening. Mismatched modulus of elasticity of the implant and bone causes a behavior known as stress shielding in which the implant transmits more of the stress than the bone surrounding it does. Current research shows that Ti-15Mo is a suitable substrate for use in dental prosthetics. It is biocompatible, has good corrosion properties and has a lower modulus of elasticity than commercially pure titanium, therefore reducing the effects of stress shielding. To address the previously mentioned issues two problems need to be addressed: 1) create a porous coating with improved osteoconduction and 2) develop a test method to show osteoblast adherence and proliferation. Using laser powder deposition, a controlled 3-D porous surface can be created to foster and develop a better bone to implant interface. To demonstrate that osteoblast cells will adhere to the created porous surface, three staining methods were used to check for the presence of calcium. These three methods include Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), von Kossa, and Alizarin red.  In addition to the three staining methods, SEM images were used to show cell adherence and calcium growth along with weighing the sample over a two week period of time to show cell adherence to the porous structure and growth through weight change. The change in weight signifies cell adherence, proliferation, and growth.