title: Microscopic Study of Surface Microtopographic Characteristics of Dental Implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine and compare the micro topographic characteristics of dental implants submitted to different surface treatments, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Implants were divided into 7 groups of 3 specimens each, according to the surface treatment used: group 1: Osseotite, BIOMET 3i; group 2: SLA surface, Institut Straumann AG; group 3: Oxalife surface, Tree-Oss implant; group 4: B&W implant surface; group 5: Q-implant surface; group 6: ML implant surface; group 7: RBM surface, Rosterdent implant. The surfaces were examined under SEM (Carl Zeiss FE-SEM-SIGMA). Image Proplus software was used to determine the number and mean diameter of pores per area unit (mm). The data obtained were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test. A confocal laser microscope (LEXT-OLS4100 Olympus) was used to conduct the comparative study of surface roughness (Ra). Data were analyzed using Tukey's HSD test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The largest average pore diameter calculated in microns was found in group 5 (3.45 µm+/-1.91) while the smallest in group 7 (1.47µm+/-1.29). Significant differences were observed among each one of the groups studied (p<0.05). The largest number of pores/mm(2) was found in group 2 (229343) and the smallest number in group 4 (10937). Group 2 showed significant differences regarding the other groups (p<0.05). The greatest roughness (Ra) was observed in group 2 (0.975µm+/-0.115) and the smallest in group 4 (0.304µm+/-0.063). Group 2 was significantly different from the other groups (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The micro topography observed in the different groups presented dissimilar and specific features, depending on the chemical treatment used for the surfaces..
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Cordoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sezin
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Microscopy and Image Processing, Biology Dental Area, Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Cordoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Croharé
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ibañez
keywords: Dental implants; Micro topography; Osseointegration; Surface treatment; Titanium