Observation of titanium pretreatment effects using a scanning electron microscope and study of titanium/ceramic and titanium/resin adhesive interface.
OBJECTIVE
A morphological analysis is made of the titanium surface sandblasted using different sized microparticles, as well as an analysis of the adhesive interface after having layered the ceramic and resin on the same prepared surface.


METHODS
A total of 14 titanium samples were prepared and randomly divided into 4 groups according to their different preparation methods. Group 1: control, no surface treatment. Group 2: 50 microm aluminium dioxide treatment. Group 3: 150 microm aluminium dioxide treatment. Group 4: Rocatec Plus system treatment. Samples of groups 2, 3, and 4 were subdivided into 2 groups: A) only sandblasted, B) sandblasted and ceramic (2B and 3B) or resin (4B) layered on top. The treated surface and the interface were then observed by scanning electrom microscope.


RESULTS
Group 2 surface appeared irregular and rough; the interface with ceramic appeared discontinuous. Group 3 surface presented larger and deeper cavities where ceramic penetrated completely. Group 4 samples presented a rough surface covered by silicate particles and the interface between titanium and resin appeared regular and continuous.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to guarantee an adequate interface, the 150 microm pretreated titanium surface seemed more suitable than the 50 microm one. The Rocatec Plus system was successful in obtaining an optimal layering with the resin due to its excellent quality.
Giachetti
L
L
Department of Dentistry and Stomatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. l.giachetti@odonto.unifi.it
Scaminaci Russo
D
D
Valentini
S
S
Villanacci
C
C
D000269:Adhesives; D002516:Ceramics; D003188:Composite Resins; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011897:Random Allocation; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
D000269:Adhesives; D003188:Composite Resins; D014025:Titanium