This study examined the mechanical and biological properties of titanium alloy implant cores with a buffer layer from zirconia and a coating of hydroxyapatite created with pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The thickness of the zirconia layer was 50 - 100 nm and the hydroxyapatite layer -600 nm. We measured crystallinity, morphology, wettability and Ca/P ratio of the hydroxyapatite layer. The methods ušed for physical evaluation were electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, goniometric measurement of contact angle and wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis. The physical tests summarized good mechanical properties and a satisfactory adhesion to a titanium core modified with zirconia and hydroxyapatite. PLD was found to be a promising method of applying thin films to a metal core for dental implants.

        Key words: dentistry - dental implant - coating - pulsed laser deposition - hydroxyapatite - zirconia