In vitro studies of factors affecting debridement of dental implants by tricalcium phosphate powder abrasive treatment

Abstract Peri-implantitis is a common complication characterized by inflammation in tissues with plaque accumulation around dental implants, causing dental implantation failures. Among current managements, air flow abrasive treatment was found to be efficient for the debridement of implant surfaces, however, little information is understood about factors affecting cleaning capacity. In particular, this study examined the cleaning capacity of air powder abrasive (APA) treatment with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powder systematically by utilizing various powder jetting strength and different particle sizes. β-TCP powder was prepared in three sizes (S, M and L) and strength of different powder setting (low, medium, high) was estimated. The cleaning capacity was determined by quantifying the ink removal simulating biofilm removal from the implant surfaces. In the light of these systematical comparisons, it can be concluded that complete implant surface cleaning could be achieved by higher jetting strength of APA treatment with smaller β-TCP particles. Moreover, the amount of consumed powder seemed critical to the cleaning efficiency. Implant surfaces and sandblast and acid etching (SLA) structure of titanium discs were altered in all tested groups. The systematically analyzed outcomes in this study might provide an insight into the development of potential strategies to treat peri-implant diseases.