Thick oxide layers may be deposited on galvano-aluminum substrates, characterized by ideal biocompatibility and therefore representing
an excellently suitable surface for medical implants. Being a light-weight and simultaneously ductile as well as non-toxic material,
aluminum lends itself perfectly to use in conjunction with medical technology, as it meets the stringent requirements in this field.
Metal implants made of uncoated stainless steel and titanium alloys are frequently still utilized today. Galvano-aluminum layers with
an anodized layer, deposited on the implant surface, reveal excellent compatibility with the human bone tissue and are also highly
biocompatible.
Interestingly, this new aluminum oxide coating is being utilized for dental purposes, too. Infections or adverse tissue reactions
arising from contact between titanium and the gums are more frequently observed with dental implants made of titanium than in the
case of implants made of massive, but highly brittle aluminum oxide ceramics. Besides, there are esthetic advantages in the fact
that potential gingival recession will not reveal gray titanium, but instead the white aluminum oxide of the coating.
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