Implantation of multiply charged silicon ions into bioinert zirconia

In dentistry, it is necessary to increase the bonding strength between various bioinert zirconia ceramics and the luting cement in order to extend the lifetime of the restoration. As a new method, an ion source was used to implant silicon ions close to the surface of the zirconium-dioxide on nanoscale to improve chemical bonding in between the bonding agent and the zirconium-dioxide. This paper summarizes the main results of a unique technique to functionalize biomaterial surfaces with silicon ions produced by Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS).