Experimental Study of High-Velocity Flame-Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coated and Noncoated Titanium Implants

Tissue responses to high-velocity flame-sprayed hydroxyapatite-coated titanium (AFC) and noncoated titanium alloy (Ti) implants were compared histologically and histomorphometrically. The percent of implant-bone contact of the AFC implants was higher than that of the Ti implants at each examination. The alveolar bone level was better maintained around the AFC implants than around the Ti implants. Some resorption of coated HA occurred on the bone-free surface of the cortical bone area and medullary cavity. These results indicate that coating with HA may speed early direct bone contact on the implant surface, but the resorption of coated HA occurs to some degree, even with an improved method. Keywords: high-velocity flame-spraying, hydroxyapatite, titanium