Comparative Evaluation of the Osteogenic Potential of Titanium Discs Subjected to Argon Plasma Surface Treatment: An in vitro Study

Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants; however, its biological aging can lead to a decreased rate of osseointegration. Titanium surfaces on exposure to argon plasma possess a hydrophilic surface that increases the biological activity of osteoblasts on the implant surface. Hence, this in vitro study was undertaken to assess and compare the osteogenic potential and proliferative nature of osteoblast-like cells on titanium when subjected to argon plasma surface treatment. A total of 108 titanium discs (10 mm × 2 mm ASTM B348) were included in the study, and their surface topography was characterized. The test specimens were divided into two subgroups based on surface treatments used, i.e. the study group (n = 54): titanium discs treated with argon plasma and the control group (n = 54): sandblasted titanium discs. The osteogenic potential of the specimens was evaluated by assessing the cell attachment using a hemocytometer and cell proliferation using an MTT assay on MG-63 cell lines at three different time intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h. The cell attachment and cell proliferation values were statistically significant (P = 0.001*). In comparison to the control group, these two parameters were considerably greater in the plasma-treated group. The total effect size of the study group was 85% as opposed to 35% of the control group. Argon plasma surface treatment had a positive effect on the cellular events of MG-63 cells which can be thought of as an added advantage along with the decontamination procedure for titanium to help in the process of osseointegration.