Hydroxyapatite and nanocomposite implant coatings

The dental implants are being used to replace missing teeth and restore function. The titanium, cobalt-chromium alloys, or stainless steel is used for fabrication of implants. The titanium has been a material of choice for implant; however, there have been concerns regarding success of implant and bone tissue osseointegration. Hence, the implant surface modifications have been carried out to improve the implant and bone osseointegration. Although many experimental materials have been employed for implant surface coating yet the commercially available materials include fluoride, zirconia, hydrooxyapatite (HA), and titanium nitride (TiN). Despite extensive investigations of implants modified with HA coatings their long-term prognosis is yet cause of concern among clinicians and researchers. Implant surface has been modified at nanoscale level to achieve better osseointegration. However, the results reported in published literature about different coating agents and techniques have not been consistent. There is evidence that implant coatings with HA-based nanocomposite may have a significant impact on bone growth and osteointegration, thereby restoring functions of teeth. Furthermore, in vivo studies are required to explore impact of implants coated with HA-based nanocomposite coatings. The aim of this chapter is to provide an insights of the HA and associated nanocomposite coatings based on bioactive glass, carbon nanotube, titanium dioxide, collagen, zircon, and chitosan.