Biomimetic dental implant production using selective laser powder bed fusion melting: In-vitro results

Abstract

Instead of a textured surface with irregular pore size and distribution as in conventional dental implants, the use of lattice structures with regular geometric structure and controlled pore size produced by selective laser powder bed fusion melting (LPDF) technique will provide more predictable and successful results regarding osseointegration and mechanics. In this study, biomimetic dental implants with 2 different pore designs were fabricated by LPDF technique and compared with conventional dental implants in terms of surface characterization and resistance to biomechanical forces. Finite element analysis, scanning electron microscopy, computed micro tomography scanning, ISO 14801 tests and detork tests were used for the comparison. The tested biomimetic implants were found to be as durable as conventional implants in terms of mechanical strength and detork values. They were also found to be 40-60% more advantageous than conventional dental implants with respect to surface area and volume. As a result, it was concluded that biomimetic dental implants with sufficient mechanical strength and complex surface geometries can be made as designed without changing the reliable base material and can be produced using a different manufacturing method.

Keywords: Biomimetic dental implant; Computed micro tomography; Finite element analysis; Selective laser powder.