Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis and Energy Dispersion X-ray Microanalysis to Evaluate the Effects of Decontamination Chemicals and Heat Sterilization on Implant Surgical Drills: Zirconia vs. Steel

Abstract

Background: Drills are an indispensable tool for dental implant surgery. Today, there are ceramic zirconium dioxide and metal alloy drills available. Osteotomy drills are critical instruments since they come in contact with blood and saliva. Furthermore, they are reusable and should be cleaned and sterilized between uses. Depending on the material, sterilizing agents and protocols can alter the surface and sharpness of implant drills. The hypothesis is that cleaning and sterilization procedures can affect the surface structure of the drills and consequently reduce their cutting efficiency. Methods: Eighteen zirconia ceramic drills and eighteen metal alloy drills were evaluated. Within the scope of this study, the drills were not used to prepare implant sites. They were immersed for 10 min in human blood taken from volunteer subjects and then separately exposed to 50 cycles of cleansing with 6% hydrogen peroxide, cold sterilization with glutaraldehyde 2%, and autoclave heat sterilization. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) microanalysis were conducted before and after each cycle and was used to evaluate the drill surfaces for alterations. Results: After exposure to the cleansing agents used in this study, alterations were seen in the steel drills compared to zirconia. Conclusions: The chemical sterilization products used in this study cause corrosion of the metal drills and reduce their sharpness. It was observed that the cycles of steam sterilization did not affect any of the drills. Zirconia drill surfaces remained stable.

The Effects of Liquid Disinfection and Heat Sterilization Processes on Implant Drill Roughness: Energy Dispersion X-ray Microanalysis and Infrared Thermography

“…One of the major reasons for these is the release of microparticles of steel, which threaten and induce reaction in bone or soft tissues. The results showed in the present study confirm those of a previous one [4]. However, this work adds further information regarding the effects of the disinfection agents on the drills.…”

“…Zirconia is a good material used in implantology for its good aesthetic properties and biocompatibility [2]. In dentistry, zirconia is largely used for implant abutment and superstructure production [3] because of its strength, durability, corrosion resistance and response to disinfection and sterilizing agents [4].…”

Zirconia crowns cemented on titanium bars using CAD/CAM: a five-year follow-up prospective clinical study of 9 patients

“…This good result achieved thanks to the marginal fit, which is critical for the success and longevity of a dental restoration [26]. The protocol adopted in this clinical trial leads to a substantial and advantageous reduction in costs and treatment times; it is supported by a high, long-term prognosis that, according to the studies carried out, ranges from 92 to 100% [19][20][21]. In fact conventional casting techniques are technically difficult for producing a Fig.…”

“…The success of an implant surgery depends on the bone and soft tissue healing after the process of implant site preparation [2,21]. During healing and function of a prothesis the bacterial adhesion is very important for a high success of an implant [22].…”

Observational Study on the Preparation of the Implant Site With Piezosurgery vs Drill: Comparison Between the Two Methods in Terms of Post-operative Pain, Surgical Times and Operational Advantages

“…Numerous histological studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo have shown that ultrasonic microvibrations minimize trauma during the cutting action [5]. As a result, bone healing is much faster from both histological and histochemical points of view [6][7][8].…”