Two type of partially stabilized zirconia, namely yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) and ceria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals including aluminum oxide nanocomposite (Ce-TZP), were irradiated by nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the regular structure with concave and convex of each 30 μm width and 30 μm depth were prepared on both surfaces. In the case of Ce-TZP, the surface was changed to be black after laser irradiation. EDX measurement revealed the reduction of more amounts of oxygen atoms on Ce-TZP compared to Y-TZP. Laser irradiated zirconia implants were inserted into the bone defects of rat femur during 4 weeks. As a control, large grid sandblasted and acid etching (blastedHF) implant was used. Laser treatment for Y-TZP provided greater degree of bone-implant contact ratio than blastedHF treated Y-TZP (p<0.05). In the case of Ce-TZP, however, laser treatment showed no clear effect on bone response.
Keywords: Bone-to-implant contact; Nanosecond-pulsed laser; Osseointegration; Osteoblast; Zirconia implant.