Design and fabrication of a novel porous titanium dental implant with micro/nano surface

Abstract

A novel titanium (Ti) dental implant with pore architecture and enhanced structure was designed and fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM). Aimed at adding micro/nano structures on the porous Ti implant, alkali heat treatment was proposed. The fully interconnected porous part was in the midsection of the implant. The reinforced strut was embedded in the center of the porous part. The mechanical properties and surface morphology of the porous Ti implant were characterized. The desired micro/nano surface was obtained after alkali heat treatment. Mechanical test results showed that the ultimate strength was about 715 MPa, enough to withstand normal occlusal force and the stiffness of the Ti dental implant was about 26 GPa. This novel porous titanium dental implant with micro/nano surface may be promising to repair missing teeth.