Comparison of Oxygen Plasma Treatment and Sandblasting of Titanium Implant-Abutment Surface on Bond Strength and Surface Topography.

PURPOSE

This in vitro study was designed to compare the effects of oxygen plasma and sandblasting treatment of the surface of titanium implant abutments on retention of implant-supported fixed prostheses using eugenol-free provisional cement and surface topography. Cement failure mode and elemental composition were surveyed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty implant abutments were used. They were divided into three groups (n = 10 implants) according to the surface treatment made (no treatment, sandblasting with 50 μm Al2O3, and oxygen plasma). Thirty metal copings were fabricated with an occlusal metal O-ring and cemented using eugenol-free cement. The tensile bond strength was recorded using a universal testing machine, cement failure was recorded, surface topography was determined using the optical method, and elemental composition was determined using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Data from all the groups were compared with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA; P < .05) and Tukey test.

RESULTS

The mean values of tensile bond strength of metal copings bonded to three implant-abutment surface groups with either control, sandblasting, or oxygen plasma were 138.8 ± 10.2, 261.3 ± 20.6, and 264.7 ± 12.8 N, respectively. The cements failed adhesively in the control and oxygen plasma groups and cohesively for sandblasting. The mean values of surface roughness were 1.1 ± 0.2, 2.3 ± 0.5, and 1.0 ± 0.1, respectively. The oxygen plasma-treated group evidenced a decreased level of C and increased levels of O2.

CONCLUSION

The retention of cast crown copings to titanium implant abutments using eugenol-free provisional cement in the sandblasting and oxygen plasma groups was more improved than in the control group.