Background: In vitro evaluation of the effects of different mechanical and manual instruments on rough implant surfaces coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) or titanium plasma sprayed (TPS).
Methods: Fourteen cylindrical rough implants have been used, 7 HA coated and 7 TPS coated. 1 HA and 1 TPS implant have been used as control. Implants, splitted in two surfaces for a total of 24 experimental areas, have been treated by ultrasonic scaler tips, stainless-steel curettes, plastic curettes and air-powder polishing. Instrumented surfaces have been examinted under light microscope by different examiners and then evaluated under scanning electron microscope.
Results: All experimental procedures have determined alterations of rough implant surfaces. Ultrasonic scaler tips and stainless-steel curettes have modified the surface topography of the coating in almost all samples examinted under light microscope, while alterations induced by plastic curettes and air-powder polishing have been detected respectively in 30% and 60% of the treated surfaces. The type of alteration was related to implant coating material and to the procedures used, and it may consist in coating removal or decreasing of surface roughness. The effect of ultrasonic scaler tips, although more aggressive, seems to be more limited compared to the other procedures.
Conclusions: Ultrasonic scaler tips may be used in conjunction with a magnification system to limit the instrumentation to areas with bacterial deposits extremely adherent or calcified.