Hydroxyapatite Coating
Pronunciation: hy-drox-ee-AP-uh-tite
A calcium phosphate ceramic layer applied to the surface of a dental implant to chemically mimic bone mineral and accelerate osseointegration.
Full Definition
Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating involves depositing a crystalline calcium phosphate layer—chemically analogous to the mineral phase of human bone—onto the titanium implant surface, typically via plasma-spray. The coating promotes direct chemical bonding with bone, theoretically accelerating early osseointegration. However, long-term concerns include coating delamination, dissolution, and the potential for increased bacterial colonisation at the coating–metal interface. Editors should correctly render 'hydroxyapatite' as one word (not 'hydroxy apatite' or 'hydroxyl apatite') and distinguish it from surface topographic treatments such as SLA.
Usage
Usage note: One word: 'hydroxyapatite'. Do not write 'hydroxy apatite' or 'hydroxyl apatite'. Distinguish clearly from resorbable bone graft materials that are also calcium-phosphate based.
In Context
- "Long-term follow-up revealed marginal bone resorption associated with hydroxyapatite coating delamination on early-generation implants." — Long-term outcomes study
- "The editors corrected 'hydroxy apatite coating' to the single-word form throughout the manuscript." — Manuscript revision notes