Protecting ultra- and hyperhydrophilic implant surfaces in dry state from loss of wettability

Abstract

Ultrahydrophilic titanium miniplates with sandblasted and acid etched (SLA) surfaces were protected from loss of hydrophilicity by an exsiccation layer of salt and stored in a dry state. Various salts in different concentrations were tested in respect to their conservation capacity and optical appearance. Potassium phosphate buffer in a specified composition appeared to be optimal. This optimal system was applied in a long time storage experiment showing no loss of hydrophilicity over years. It was also transferred with success to hyperhydrophilic dental implants.

Keywords

• dental implants
• dry conservation
• exsiccation layer
• hydrophilic
• hyperhydrophilic
• imaginary contact angles
• sandblasted and acid etched (sla)
• titanium
• ultrahydrophilic