Design and Surface Characteristics of 13 Commercially Available Oral Implant Systems

Thirteen commercially available oral implant systems were investigated with respect to design and surface topography. The implants were divided into four groups, depending on their different surface materials and treatments. Surface topography was measured with a measurement system for noncontact surface profilometry using confocal scanning microscopy. Results indicated that design, as well as surface topography, varied considerably between the different implant systems. Keywords: design, optical profilometry, oral implants, surface topography