Effects of hydrophilicity and microtopography of titanium implant surfaces on initial supragingival plaque biofilm formation. A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present pilot study is to investigate the effects of hydrophilicity and microtopography of titanium implant surfaces on initial supragingival plaque biofilm formation.

Materials and methods: Test specimens were manufactured from commercially pure grade 2 titanium according to one of the following procedures: polished (P), acid-etched (A), chemically modified (mod) A (modA), sand-blasted large grit and A (SLA), and modSLA. Intraoral splints were used to collect an in vivo supragingival plaque biofilm in each group at 12, 24, and 48 h. Stained plaque biofilm (PB) areas (%) were morphometrically assessed.

Results: All groups exhibited significant increases of mean PB areas over time (p < 0.001; respectively). Morphometrical analysis revealed the following mean PB areas: 12h: SLA = modSLA > P > A =modA (p < 0.001; respectively); 24h: SLA > modSLA = P > A = modA (p < 0.001; respectively); 48h: SLA = modSLA = P > A = modA (p < 0.001; respectively).

Conclusions: Within the limits of a pilot study, it could be concluded that hydrophilicity had no apparent effect, while microtopography had a highly uneven and unpredictable influence on supragingival plaque biofilm formation.