Influence of physical decontamination methods on the degradation of dental implants surfaces

Abstract

The titanium (Ti) dental implant decontamination process must not only remove bacterial biofilms and contaminants but also preserve the original surface treatment of the implant to possibly achieve re-osseointegration of the affected area. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the deleterious effect of physical decontamination methods on surface properties, electrochemical behavior and bacterial eradication/re-colonization on implant surfaces produced by 3D printing. For this, Ti discs (10 x 2 mm) with commercial additive manufacturing surface will be used to form polymicrobial biofilms (human saliva - microcosm model) for 3 days. Later, the discs will be randomized and exposed to the following treatments: 1) Control [no treatment]; 2) teflon curette [0.05N; 220 s]; Ti curette [0.05N; 220 s]; 3) Ti brush [speed 902 rpm; 70% irrigation with water]; chitosan brush [speed 902 rpm; 70% irrigation with water]; 4) air abrasion [80% speed, 100% water irrigation] and 5) laser (Er:YAG)[(» 2940 nm, 100mJ/pulse; 20 pulses/s; 45o irradiation with the sample, distance: 1 mm]. Before and after the treatments, the samples will be characterized in relation to surface properties (confocal laser scanning microscopy, profilometry, wettability, surface free energy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry), electrochemical behavior ( corrosion potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic curve, and corrosion rate) and antimicrobial efficacy (colony forming units - CFU and scanning electron microscopy - SEM). In addition, after the microbiological tests, the discs will be again contaminated (2 h adhesion - microcosm model) to assess the potential of re-contamination of surfaces after mechanical decontamination (CFU and SEM). Data will be submitted to statistical test most appropriate. (AU)