Effects of laser-modified-titanium surface on distance osteogenesis

Abstract

Osteogenesis is a process sequentially characterized by cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, as well as by apposition and mineralization of a collagen-rich bone matrix deposited by osteoblasts. The osteogenesis progress occurs in two distinct sites of the osseointegration process of dental implants: contact osteogenesis and at-distance osteogenesis. However, histological evidences demonstrated that these two events are essential to ensure the success of implants. In vitro studies using contact osteogenesis protocols showed that modifications on titanium surface can increase bone/implant contact, improving the local osteogenesis. However, in vitro assessments about the influence of these superficial implant alterations far from the main osteogenesis site are missing. Due to the scarce data concerning the mechanisms of at-distance osteogenesis induced by roughness titanium surface, this research project has the following specific aim: Evaluate the capacity of osteoblasts cultured on laser-modified-titanium surfaces to promote at-distance osteogenesis.