A titanium implant having increased retention after insertion in bone. The implant comprises phosphate groups bound to the metallic titanium. A process for preparing said titanium implant, wherein an implant is prepared in a per se known manner, and then the oxide layer formed on the surface of the implant, is removed to expose the metallic titanium. The exposed implant is then treated with a phosphate solution in the absence of oxygen, to bond phosphate groups to the titanium surface, said groups securing a firm attachment of the implant to the bone into which it is inserted.