Evaluation of the Surface of Dental Implants After the Use of Instruments Used in Biofilm Removal: A Comparative Study of Several Protocols

It is extremely important to check the morphological changes on the surfaces of the implants that will have an impact on their osseointegration and clinical longevity of the implant. For this reason, the purpose of this in vitro study was evaluated the damage caused to the surface of dental implants after different conditions of simulation of mechanical removal of the biofilm and scraping using several different protocols. There was no formation and removal of biofilm. Twenty-five implants of the Singular Implants® brand (Parnamirim, Brazil) were divided into 05 groups: G1 control- C (n = 5), G2 Ultrasound- US (n = 5), G3 Stainless Curette- INX (n = 5), G4 Teflon®-TF curtain (n = 5), G5 Laser-L (n = 5). Scraping was performed on the first three turns of the G2, 3 and 4 implants. The G5-L received irradiation with Laser Er:YAG (50 J, 1.5 W, 30 Hz). After the procedures, the implants were evaluated in SEM (1500–3000 X). It can be observed that in G4-TF there was no change in surface morphology and roughness, however residues of TF were deposited on the surface; in G3-INX important morphological changes were observed, with impression on the titanium of parallel striations typical of the use of curettes; in G5-L, flattening of the roughness peaks was observed, but not in the valleys; in G2-US several morphological changes were observed: total kneading of the roughness in some areas and fine scratches in others. It is concluded that of the protocols used, the least harmful to roughness was the laser, followed by stainless steel curettes and ultrasound. Teflon curettes did not change the surface roughness, but added material residues to the surface.