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Effects of Mechanical Methods Used in Peri-implantitis Treatment on Implant Surface Decontamination and Roughness
Published on: March 14, 2025
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Implant surface roughness alterations induced by different prophylactic procedures: an in vitro study.
Carlo Cafiero1, Marco Aglietta2, Vincenzo Iorio-Siciliano1
1Department of Periodontology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Clinical Oral Implants Research
|June 11, 2016
Summary
Eight prophylactic procedures were tested on dental implant surfaces. Air-polishing with glycine powder significantly reduced surface roughness, indicating a potential benefit for implant maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Maintaining the integrity of dental implant surfaces is crucial for long-term success.
- Prophylactic procedures aim to clean implants without causing surface alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surface roughness changes on dental implant necks after various prophylactic treatments.
- To compare the effects of mechanical and air-polishing methods on implant surface topography.
Main Methods:
- Fifty tissue-level dental implants were subjected to eight different prophylactic procedures.
- Procedures included rubber cup, brush, composite burs, and air-polishing with glycine.
- Surface roughness was quantified using a laser profilometer (Ra and Rz values).
Main Results:
- Air-polishing with glycine powder (AP1, AP2) resulted in the lowest surface roughness values.
- The AP2 group showed a statistically significant reduction in mean roughness profile depth (Rz) compared to controls.
- Rubber cup (RCZ) and brush (BZ) methods yielded the highest roughness values.
Conclusions:
- None of the tested prophylactic procedures significantly increased implant surface roughness.
- Air-polishing with glycine powder, particularly at a high-pressure setting (AP2), effectively smoothened the implant collar surface.

