Hydrophilic implant surfaces

A clinical and scientific update

Abstract

The modification of the implant surface influences implant osseointegration. A physicochemical means to modify implant surfaces is the creation of hydrophilic surfaces. The aim is an accelerated osseointegration for earlier implant loading and possibly the increase of bone quantity and quality. This review gives an update on the current scientific knowledge on hydrophilic implant surfaces.
In vitro, hydrophilic titanium surfaces exhibit different positive effects on hard and soft tissues with significant differences to hydrophobic surfaces. Several cell types and the initial wound healing phase are positively affected. In vivo, an increased osseointegration is detected in the early phase of wound healing. In later stages these significant differences are rarely detectable. Based on clinical trials, early im- plant loading of hydrophilic surfaces is considered safe and predictable. There is only few data on hydrophilic surfaces in areas of reduced bone quality or quality.