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Function of the Various Coatings on Implants?

posted in Dental Implant Systems, Patient Questions on Dental Implants, Surface Coating, en

« Allograft with Calcium Sulfate Mixed In: Best Technique? | Differentiated Osseointegration with Zirconia Implants : Any Comments? »

Sherin, a prospective implant patient, asks:

As I am thinking about getting implants, I have been reading up on dental implants and going thru various manufacturer websites. One thing I noticed is the marketing of various coatings. What is the function of various coatings on dental implants? What are the various coatings that are available and their relative advantages? Thanks.

12 Responses to “ Function of the Various Coatings on Implants? ”

• Paul February 2nd, 2009

  
  

  A major function of the various coatings is to speed osseointegration (the time it takes for the bone to grow around the implant and the implant to become “part of you”). Moderately roughened titanium will integrate in 8-12 weeks. Another function of the surfaces is for tissue attachment to the implant. This would be a factor if some of the implant is not buried in the bone or the bone resorbs exposing some threads. IMO, the 2 implants with the best surfaces are Straumann and Astra. That being said, I place implants with no surface coating as they have more long-term research and cost quite a bit less. If you don’t mind waiting 8-12 weeks for integration, there’s nothing wrong with moderately roughened titatium with no coating. Just my .02. I’d be interested in hearing other opinions.

• Bill Schaeffer February 2nd, 2009

  
  

  Dear Sherin,

  Don’t believe the hype. All modern implants integrate well.

  The implant manufacturers, (I use many different systems), are no different from any manufacturer - they need their Unique Selling Point - and for years now they have been using their implant surfaces as their USP.

  Finding a dentist with whom you can establish a rapport and who can demonstrate to you experience with implants, is FAR more important than what surface they use.

  I hope that helps - and yes, I know this all can be very confusing!!

  Kind Regards,

  Bill Schaeffer

• Dr.Siva Prakash Dhanaraj February 3rd, 2009

  
  

  Hello Friend , Surface coatings of Implants helps mainly in Osseointegration. If ur patient receives,any standard Implant, available in the market, under proper case selection procedure and pt. Attitude will reap better Prognosis.

  So there is no need to the Patient to know about Surface coatings and accessories, if He/She Trusts You.

  All the Best…!!

• Alejandro Berg February 3rd, 2009

  
  

  I would say that if you are thinking of getting implants, just do it…. surfaces are a plus, most companies have them and most are pretty similar and get pretty much the same good results. The thing is…. just get a good surgeon and good rehab doctor and you will most likely get a good result that will last you years and years.

• Dr. Dennis Nimchuk February 3rd, 2009

  
  

  All contemporary studies show that regardless of the surface coating, a medium roughened implant placed with good technique and in good bone will integrate at a success rate of 98% or better. Some manufacturers will want you to believe that their surface treatments make a significant difference and this is how they attempt to differentiate themselves. There may be some slight reduction in the waiting time before engaging the implant but not in the overall success.

• Dr. Ralph Cramden February 3rd, 2009

  
  

  Technique - technique- technique

  That is all that matters!

  Pick your doc based on his success rate for implant integration - the surfaces matter little at the hands of a good surgeon - do not go to a dentist - go to a oral surgeon

• ED February 4th, 2009

  
  

  Dr. Cramden, the last time I checked Oral Surgeons were dentists. I suppose you want the Oral Surgeon to restore the implant as well, after all the “dentist” may not be qualified to use a torque wrench and cement a crown. You are ridiculous and do nothing but confuse patients and cause them to lose confidence in our profession.

• Dr.Pap February 4th, 2009

  
  

  Four months ago I started to use Reactive implant by Implant Direct.I have not enough experience with this system.Have any other colleague use this system. What is his experience and clinical results?

  Thanks.

  Dr. Pap

• DRMA February 5th, 2009

  
  

  I’m useing it with great success.
  It’s new in Hungary

• dr david harpaz February 7th, 2009

  
  

  dear Sherin,

  don’t woory about surface of the implant. all knowen implants will intergrate well in the hand of an experiance dentist, oral surgeon or general dentist. Find a dentist with experiance, ask for refences and you will do fine.

  good luck

• dr david harpaz February 7th, 2009

  
  

  dear Sherin,

  don’t woory about surface of the implant. all knowen implants will intergrate well in the hand of an experiance dentist, oral surgeon or general dentist. Find a dentist with experiance, ask for refences and you will do fine.

  good luck

• Linda July 5th, 2009

  
  

  Is it possible for your body to reject a tooth implant and if so, what are the symptoms?
  Thanks!

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