Tissue response to implanted ceramic-coated titanium alloys in rats.

In order to assess the tissue compatibility of the hybrid materials for the dental implant (hydroxyapatite, titanium oxide and titanium nitride coated titanium alloys), tissue response to these materials implanted in the rat subcutaneous tissue was histologically examined. Initial inflammatory response was less evident in titanium oxide coated and non-coated titanium alloys. All materials were encapsulated by thin fibrous connective tissues. The membrane thickness of hydroxyapatite coated titanium alloy was significantly higher than that of titanium nitride coated one. These results suggest that all materials possess favourable tissue compatibility and may encourage clinical use as the dental implant.