The Effects of Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Abrasive Powders on the Decontamination of 9 Implant-Abutment Surfaces: Scanning Electron Analysis and In Vitro Study.

Francesco Gianfreda,Andrea Di Giulio,Patrizio Bollero,Luigi Canullo,Maurizio Muzzi,Eleonora Nicolai

doi:10.3390/dj10030036

Francesco Gianfreda, Andrea Di Giulio + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10030036

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Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to understand from a microscopic point of view whether bicarbonate air-abrasive powders associated with ultrasonic instruments can decontaminate nine different surfaces used for the abutment/implant junction. Fibroblast growth was carried out on decontaminated surface in order to understand if there are significative differences in terms of biocompatibility. (2) Methods: After taking samples of patient plaque, nine different surfaces were contaminated and analyzed by SEM, then their wettability was evaluated. Fibroblasts were cultured on the decontaminated surfaces to understand their ability to establish a connective tissue seal after decontamination. The results were analyzed from a statistical point of view to hypothesize a mathematical model capable of explaining the properties of the surfaces. (3) Results: A negative correlation between roughness and contamination has been demonstrated, whereas a weak correlation was observed between wettability and decontamination capacity. All surfaces were topographically damaged after the decontamination treatment. Grade 5 titanium surfaces appear tougher, whereas anodized surfaces tend to lose the anodizing layer. (4) Conclusions: further studies will be needed to fully understand how these decontaminated surfaces affect the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts and osteoblasts.

Highlights

One of the most investigated aspects in contemporary dentistry is the long-term maintenance of dental implants and the prevention of peri-implantitis
This condition is characterized by inflammation of the peri-implant connective tissue and by a non-linear, accelerated bone loss supporting pattern [1]
Bacterial colonization of the connection inner portion can be associated with peri-implant bone loss and peri-implantitis

Summary

Introduction

One of the most investigated aspects in contemporary dentistry is the long-term maintenance of dental implants and the prevention of peri-implantitis. Since there is no official definition, many author tried to define peri-implantitis by setting different thresholds. In less-stable prosthetic connections, this causes a pumping effect of the junction which leads to the accumulation and release of bacteria [10] For this reason, bacterial colonization of the connection inner portion can be associated with peri-implant bone loss and peri-implantitis. The surface micro-topography can influence the biofilm in terms of bacteria adhesion and release of pro-inflammatory and necrotizing cytokines [16]. It can often result in the formation of ecological niches that are difficult to decontaminate. Many authors have proposed the use of powders and ultrasounds for biofilm removal [14,15,17]

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