Objective: Calcium phosphate is used for dental material because of its biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering can control their thickness and absorbability. This study aimed to evaluate and characterize ACP coatings deposited via magnetron sputtering. It was hypothesized that ACP coatings would enhance bone formation and be absorbed rapidly in vivo.
Methods: ACP coatings that are 0.5 μm in thickness were deposited via magnetron sputtering on dental implants. Uncoated implants served as controls. The effect of the ACP coatings in vivo was investigated in New Zealand white rabbit. To evaluate the effect of the ACP coatings on the bone response of the implants, the removal torque, implant stability quotient, and histomorphometric analysis were performed on the implants at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after implantation.
Results: Results of the x-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the deposition of ACP coatings. Images from the scanning electron microscopy revealed that the coatings were dense, uniform, and 0.5 μm in thickness and that they were absorbed completely. Mechanical stability and bone formation in the case of the ACP-coated implants were higher than those of control.
Conclusion: These results suggest that implants coated with thin ACP layers improve implant fixation and accelerate bone response.