Evaluation of dental implants surface after exposure to corrosion agents

Abstract

Background : Nowadays, osseointegrated implants are the most predictable option for oral rehabilitation. The significant increase in their use adds, as a consequence, a concomitant increase in complications such as peri-implantitis, characterized by peri-implant tissue inflammation with fast progression and marginal bone loss, which can promote exposure of implant threads to the oral environment that could be affected by products and substances used by patients during oral hygiene.Aim/Hypothesis : The aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of fluoride and chlorhexidine on titanium implant surfaces.Material and Methods : Three double-blasted and acid etch surface-treated titanium dental implants were submerged in artificial saliva (control), artificial saliva and 2% fluoride gel solution, and artificial saliva and 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate solution. Observational clinical analyses were performed after 01, 03, and 90 days. Qualitative morphological analyses of implant surfaces (3 fields per implant; magnifications 2.500, 5.000, and 10.000x) were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 90 (JSM-5910 JEOL USA, Inc).Results : Observational clinical analyses showed that the implant in artificial saliva and 2% fluoride gel solution evidenced color changes, probably indicating structural modification of titanium surface. There were no visual changes or surface modifications on implants submerged in artificial saliva and artificial saliva and 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate solution on images obtained with SEM. Small cracks and surface modifications (yellow arrows) were noted on the implant submerged in artificial saliva and 2% fluoride gel solution. Conclusion and Clinical Implications: Despite the limitations of the present study, it was possible to conclude that 2% fluoride gel may have the ability to change surface treatment of dental implants exposed to oral cavity.