Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of routinely used physical decontamination methods on the surface characteristics of zirconia implants and subsequent ability of bacteria to adhere in vitro.BackgroundPhysical decontamination methods commonly used in peri‐implantitis therapy and routine implant maintenance can potentially alter zirconia implant surfaces.MethodsAcid‐etched zirconia discs were instrumented with titanium curette (TC), plastic curette, air abrasive device, ultrasonic scaler (US) with stainless steel tip. Following instrumentation, surface topography, and surface elemental composition was analyzed using 3D‐laser scanning microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. Subsequently, plaque biofilm was cultured on zirconia discs for 48 h and bacterial adhesion assessed using a turbidity test and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsA significant difference in surface roughness was observed between the US and control group (p < 0.05). The US and TC caused gray surface discolouration on zirconia discs due to deposition of metallic residue as confirmed by X‐ray spectroscopy. No significant difference in bacterial adhesion was noted among all treatment groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionTC and US with stainless steel tips should be used with caution due to deposition of metallic residue on the surface. Air abrasive devices and plastic curettes caused minimal surface alterations and are, therefore, safer for zirconia implant decontamination.
Highlights
Dental implants have become a well-established treatment option to replace missing teeth in partially and completely edentulous patients (Stanford, 2007)
Our null hypothesis was that the physical decontamination methods tested would not alter the surface characteristics of the yttria-tetragonal zirconia discs and, there would be no change in bacterial adhesion after treatment
The results showed that zirconia implant surfaces can be altered based on the type of decontamination method used, no significant differences in bacterial adhesion was observed
Summary
Dental implants have become a well-established treatment option to replace missing teeth in partially and completely edentulous patients (Stanford, 2007). It has been reported that implant failure can occasionally occur due to the release of titanium ions into surrounding tissues, triggering a hypersensitivity reaction in susceptible patients (Kim et al, 2019). To overcome these drawbacks, zirconia implants have emerged as a viable alternative to titanium implants. Zirconia is a highly biocompatible material with an aesthetically pleasing tooth-colored appearance, acceding to the increasing demand for metal-free dental implants (Grech & Antunes, 2020; Ozkurt & Kazazoglu, 2011). Our null hypothesis was that the physical decontamination methods tested would not alter the surface characteristics of the yttria-tetragonal zirconia discs and, there would be no change in bacterial adhesion after treatment
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