The Impact of Operator Access on Implant Surface Roughness Following Implantoplasty Procedures: A Laboratory Study

To evaluate the influence of operator access on surface roughness parameters and material loss following implantoplasty (IP).

A total of 42 dental implants were utilized in this study, and three different implant designs. Two set-ups were used: a table-top, allowing unrestricted access, and a phantom-head, imposing limitations in access and better replicating the clinical situation. A combination of tungsten carbide burs and silicone polishers was used to perform IP on the implants. The total amount of time required for IP of each implant was measured for comparisons between modalities, and a 2D roughness profile analysis (R_a and R_z) was conducted using a contact stylus profilometer. The weight and the diameter of the implants were also measured before and after IP was performed.

A statistically significant difference was found between the R_a (p = 0.004) and R_z (p = 0.019) values of implants prepared under table-top conditions, being smoother, when compared to the ones prepared in the phantom head. The time required to perform IP was significantly different between the two different settings (p < 0.001) and between some implant types. The set-up in which IP was performed did not have a significant impact on the change in implant mass (p = 0.926) or in implant diameter (p = 0.721).

Implants treated with IP in the phantom-head set-up exhibited significantly greater surface roughness and required longer procedural time compared to those treated in the table-top model, but did not influence material loss.