Ceramic Dental Implant Surface Roughness via Agglomerate Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ceramic dental implants face limitations in osteointegrative properties due to their bio-inert, highly dense surfaces, which are difficult to achieve and maintain, and existing surface modification techniques like abrasive blasting and acid-etching can lead to material loss, defects, and phase transformation, compromising mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the deposition of ceramic agglomerates with a binder onto a ceramic basic body using a carrier gas stream to create a surface with a density gradient and porosity, forming elevations that enhance osteointegrative properties without the issues of discrete particle application, such as particle fallout and uneven distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the zirconia ceramic is made highly dense to achieve sufficient mechanical stability, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the osteointegrative properties deteriorate due to the bio-inert and clean-cut surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by depositing ceramic particles onto the implant surface to create a controlled porous layer. This porous structure provides osteointegrative properties by enabling bone ingrowth and direct structural connection, while the underlying dense ceramic maintains mechanical stability. The porous surface layer resolves the contradiction by allowing biological integration without compromising the mechanical integrity of the base material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure with a dense ceramic base material providing mechanical strength and a porous ceramic particle layer providing osteointegrative properties. This composite approach combines the advantages of both dense and porous structures, allowing the implant to simultaneously achieve high mechanical stability and excellent bone integration capabilities.
2Reliability
If abrasive blasting is used to provide osteointegrative properties to the ceramic implant surface, then the osteointegration is improved, but material loss occurs and defects are formed compromising mechanical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical abrasive blasting system with a particle deposition system. Instead of eroding material through high-velocity abrasives, the invention deposits ceramic particles onto the surface using a carrier gas stream. This substitution eliminates material loss and defect formation while still creating the desired surface roughness for osteointegration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of surface treatment (material removal and defect creation) into a beneficial process by depositing particles to create surface elevations. The particle deposition process that might seem like added complexity actually provides dual benefits: creating osteointegrative surface roughness while preserving and even enhancing mechanical stability through controlled material addition rather than removal.
3Reliability
If sandblasting is used to create surface roughness, then osteointegrative properties are improved, but material is lost due to the erosive technique
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the erosive mechanical sandblasting system with a non-erosive particle deposition system using carrier gas. This substitution fundamentally changes the material interaction from removal to addition, eliminating material loss while achieving the same osteointegrative surface roughness through deposited ceramic particles.
4Reliability
If injection molding techniques are used to provide structure to the surface, then osteointegrative properties are improved, but the process becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by employing a carrier gas stream to transport and deposit ceramic particles onto the implant surface. This pneumatic approach replaces complex injection molding equipment with a simpler gas-based delivery system, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while achieving the desired surface structure for osteointegration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process results in a ceramic body with improved osteointegrative properties and a homogenous surface roughness, reducing the risk of mechanical damage and enhancing the implant's bonding with bone, while allowing for further adaptation through etching for optimal osteointegration.
Implementation Method 1
depositing ceramic agglomerates with a binder onto a ceramic basic body using a carrier gas stream
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a ceramic body having a surface roughness, said process comprising the step of depositing particles of a ceramic material on the surface of a ceramic basic body. The process is characterized in that separate agglomerates comprising at least two particles and a binder binding the particles together are deposited on the surface of the basic body by projecting the agglomerates towards the basic body.