Bacterial adhesion on smooth and rough titanium surfaces after treatment with different instruments

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Implantology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Biofilm formation post-debridement challenges peri-implant therapy.
• Assessing surface changes and bacterial adherence is crucial for implant stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate titanium surface roughness and Streptococcus sanguinis adherence after various debridement treatments.
• To compare the efficacy of Er:YAG laser, metal curets, plastic curets, and air-powder abrasive systems.

Main Methods:

• Titanium disks (smooth and rough) were treated with Er:YAG laser, metal curets, plastic curets, or air-powder abrasive systems.
• Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer.
• Bacterial adherence of S. sanguinis was quantified by culture methods and SEM analysis.

Main Results:

• Metal curets significantly increased roughness on smooth titanium surfaces.
• No treatment altered the roughness of pre-existing rough surfaces.
• Rough surfaces treated with metal curets and air-powder abrasion exhibited the lowest bacterial adhesion.

Conclusions:

• Metal curets should be avoided for smooth titanium debridement due to surface alteration.
• Rough titanium surfaces treated with metal curets or air-powder abrasive systems demonstrate reduced bacterial susceptibility.
• Surface modification and abrasive deposits may contribute to decreased bacterial adhesion on rough surfaces.