UV Photofunctionalisation to Enhance Implant Osseointegration: A Case Report

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization is a surface activation technique that enhances the biological activity of titanium implants by removing hydrocarbon contaminants, restoring hydrophilicity, and improving bone–implant integration. UV-C, in particular, has superior surface modification capabilities compared to UV-A and UV-B.

Case Presentation: A 45-year-old male patient, systemically healthy, presented with missing teeth in the right mandibular posterior region. Titanium implants were treated with UV-C light (160–280 nm) for 3 minutes in a custom photofunctionalization chamber prior to placement. The implants achieved satisfactory primary stability. Pain levels measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were 1 at 24 hours, 1 at 3 days, and 0 at 7 days. At the 1-month review, Resonance Frequency Analysis indicated adequate implant stability, allowing placement of healing abutments. Two months following surgery, the implants were restored using screw-retained crowns. The overall treatment period was two months, resulting in healthy peri-implant soft tissues and favorable functional and esthetic outcomes.

Discussion: The results are consistent with literature demonstrating that UV irradiation accelerates osseointegration, enhances osteoblast activity, hydrophilicity and reduces early bacterial adhesion. Similar to previous clinical reports, early loading was achieved without complications, and postoperative discomfort was minimal.

Conclusion: UV photofunctionalization can shorten implant treatment timelines while maintaining excellent biological and clinical outcomes. It may be a valuable adjunct in cases where early loading is desired.

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