Nd-YAG Laser Texturing of Zirconia Implant Surfaces

Purpose This study sought to assess the behavior of soft and hard tissue cells on Nd:YAG laser-textured zirconia implant surfaces with parameters that simulate roughness and topography of sandblasting and acid-etching. Methods Zirconia discs were prepared and treated with sandblasting and acid-etching, laser 10 μm spacing 10% power (D10P10) or laser 20 μm spacing 1% power (D20P1). Roughness and wettability were measured. Human osteoblasts and fibroblasts were cultivated on the zirconia disks, and their viability was evaluated. IL-1β and IL-6 production was evaluated by ELISA. Morphology and adhesion were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM). Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA (fibroblasts viability, mechanical tests, interleukins) or Kruskal-Wallis (osteoblasts viability) tests, as appropriate. Results No statistically significant differences were observed in the viability of osteoblasts over time. Fibroblasts showed a higher viability for laser 10 μm spacing 10% power then for sandblasting and acid-etching at 1 and 7 days of culture. There were no statistically significant differences in inflammatory interleukin production. Microscopy images revealed early cell adhesion, normal morphology, and more fibroblasts in laser groups. Conclusion Laser texturing seems to allow the production of sandblasting and acid-etching-like surfaces, with a similar behavior for osteoblasts and an improved behavior for fibroblasts.