DLC coating to neutralize fretting of dental implant componentsThe success of two-piece dental implants (Figure 1) is threatened by fretting occurring between the ceramic abutment and the titanium-based fixture. A wrong design could generate mismatches between surfaces and a poor choice of materials would result in excessive micromotions between abutment and fixture. Sliding and fretting wear cause a disproportionate ion release in the surrounding tissues, potentially giving the gingiva a greyish appearance. The lost material enlarges the existing microgaps exposing the implant to bacterial colonization and infections. The extreme consequences of these processes result in the removal of the implant ... Read More