Early dental plaque formation on toothbrushed titanium implant surfaces.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative differences on dental plaque formation on two different roughness titanium implant surfaces, i.e. machined and titanium plasma sprayed, as well as the amount of plaque removal by regular toothbrushing after 72-hour plaque accumulation.


METHODS
Eight systemically healthy subjects were recruited from the patient pool of a private dental practice. All patients underwent oral hygiene instruction and full mouth prophylaxis. Subsequently, maxillary casts from all patients were obtained and removable 0.7 mm-thick acetate stents without occlusal contact points were fabricated to support four titanium specimens of 4 x 2 x 2 mm divided into two groups (machined and plasma sprayed). Subjects were instructed to wear the stents for 72 hours, full time, removing them only during regular oral hygiene. Subsequently, the appliances were immediately repositioned and then the test side was brushed for 20 seconds. At the end of the 72-hour period, the stents were removed and prepared for microbiological analysis.


RESULTS
Both machined and plasma sprayed brushed surfaces presented statistically significant fewer bacteria than non-brushed surfaces. Similarly, regarding surface roughness, machined surfaces presented a total number of bacteria significantly smaller than those presented by plasma sprayed surfaces (P < 0.05). Statistically, the non-brushed machined turned surfaces presented a greater amount of Streptoccocus sp. when compared to the brushed machined surfaces. It was concluded that rough surfaces accumulated more dental plaque than polished surfaces. Both brushed surfaces presented less plaque accumulation, however, implant brushing was more effective on machined surfaces.
Amarante
Evandro Scligliano
ES
Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, R. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227 Cidade Universitaria, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Chambrone
Leandro
L
Lotufo
Roberto Fraga Moreira
RF
Lima
Luiz A
LA
D000328:Adult; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium; D014099:Toothbrushing; D055815:Young Adult
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D014025:Titanium