Hydrofluoric acid treatment of titanium surfaces enhance the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts

The attachment of implants rely on bone and soft tissue biocompatibility. The aim was to investigate the effect of fluoride modified metallic titanium (Ti) surfaces (Ti-F) on proliferation and differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). HGF cells were exposed to hydrofluoric acid (HF) modified Ti coins (Ti-F) for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21d, and untreated coins were used as controls. A 5-6 fold increase in the proliferation of HGF on Ti-F compared to Ti surfaces was observed. Enhanced gene expression of IL-6 and OPG was found at 7 d. Increased levels of sclerostin, IL- 6 and OPG in the media from HGF cultured on Ti-F coins were found compared to controls. Our results confirm that HF modified surface may indirectly enhance the firm attachment of implant surface to junction epithelium, soft tissue epithelium, which would give protection for underlying osseous structures making osseointegration of the dental implant possible