Surface Aspects of Titanium Dental Implants

This book chapter presents a brief description of a new emerging field of science, the biological surface science and stresses its importance in the field of alloplastic materials and dental implants. It is not intended to present a comprehensive review of the field, but rather to indentify some important trends and directions in the surface modifications of titanium (Ti) dental implants targeting the improvement of their bio/osseointegration (second subchapter). The third subchapter outlines the impact of fluoride on surfaces of titanium implants or other dental devices. The fourth one will give an overview of the effects of some chemical cleaning agents on titanium implant surfaces. The interaction between Ti and fluoride containing prophylactic agents or chemical cleaning agents can result in a beneficial or/and destructive alteration of the surface of Ti dental appliances. The objective of our studies was to characterize these specific modifications and alterations of Ti surfaces. The fifth subchapter focuses on the relation between biological surface science and dental implants related research.