The Impact of Mechanical Debridement Techniques on Titanium Implant Surfaces: A Comparison of Sandblasted, Acid-Etched, and Femtosecond Laser-Treated Surfaces

This study evaluated the effects of various mechanical debridement methods on the surface roughness (Ra) of dental implants, comparing femtosecond laser-treated surfaces with conventionally machined and sandblasted with large-grit sand and acid-etched (SLA) implant surfaces. The fabrication of grade 4 titanium (Ti) disks (10 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick) and the SLA process were carried out by a dental implant manufacturer (DENTIS; Daegu, Republic of Korea). Subsequently, disk surfaces were treated with various methods: machined, SLA, and femtosecond laser. Disks of each surface-treated group were post-treated with mechanical debridement methods: Ti curettes, ultrasonic scaler, and Ti brushes. Scanning electron microscopy, Ra, and wettability were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, with post-hoc analyses conducted using the Bonferroni correction (alpha = 0.05). In the control group, no significant difference in Ra was observed between the machined and SLA groups. However, femtosecond laser-treated surfaces exhibited higher Ra than SLA surfaces (p < 0.05). The application of Ti curette or brushing further accentuated the roughness of the femtosecond laser-treated surfaces, whereas scaling reduced the Ra in SLA surfaces. Femtosecond laser-treated implant surfaces, with their unique roughness and compositional attributes, are promising alternatives in dental implant surface treatments.