Residual Contaminations of Silicon-Based Glass, Alumina and Aluminum Grits on a Titanium Surface After Sandblasting

Abstract

Sandblasting (grit-blasting) is a commonly used surface treatment method for roughening the surface of titanium dental implants. Today, alumina (Al2O3) grits with various sizes are widely used for this purpose, due to their good surface roughening effects. However, sandblasting with Al2O3 grits also introduces impurities to the surface of the Ti implant, which may adversely affect the osseointegration process of the implant. This raises the question as to the use of Al2O3 as the most suitable type of sandblasting grit, considering the contaminations to the titanium implant in addition to roughening effects. This study evaluates Al2O3, a silicon-based (silica, SiO2) glass and Al metal grits in terms of both roughing effects and contamination to the titanium implant surface. Thirty commercially pure grade 2 (CP2) titanium plates were grit-blasted using various grits. Surface roughness average (R a) of all grit-blasted plate was measured. In addition, SEM/EDX analysis was performed to detect the morphology and elements on the titanium specimen surface before and after sandblasting. Results showed that each type of grits has its own advantages and disadvantages. This said, Al2O3 might be the most suitable material among the three tested grit materials for sandblasting a titanium dental implant surface.