Silane-based coating charged with TiO2 NPs for dental implant applications

In modern dentistry, various techniques are being used to enhance longevity of a tooth implant. Among the most attractive solutions to promote the long-term stability of a dental implant, is the application of a protective coating on selected parts of the assembly. In this paper, the use of 3-(glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and tetraethyl orthosilicate (GPTMS/TEOS) sol-gel coating containing TiO2 nanoparticles is proposed as a locking agent to improve long-term stability of a dental implant. The concept is based on an approach used in machine industry, i.e. enhancing the frictional engagement between the mating parts and therefore preventing their unintentional loosening. Compared with samples not subjected to surface modification, the proposed coating is effective in terms of improving the anti-loosening properties of the abutment screw. High locking efficacy of the sol-gel film, as well as its anti-wear performance, is achieved by the advantageous mechanical properties of the coating. Compared with a pure GPTMS/TEOS matrix, the incorporation of TiO2 NPs in the polymeric backbone results in an improvement of the resistance to hydrolytic degradation, as well as reduction of hardness and Young modulus of the coating.