ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare the surface scratch resistance of titanium implant abutments and cementum to evaluate the impact of scaling with metal curettes on both surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard in vitro force of 14 N was used to assess the scratch width and depth created by curettes on extracted human tooth roots and titanium implant abutments. Scratch width and depth were analysed using a stereomicroscope and non-contact surface profilometry. RESULTS: The mean force applied during test scaling procedures by experienced volunteer operators was 14 N. Mechanical scaling using this force in vitro of cementum produced a mean scratch width of 59.4 ± 1.9 µm, N = 20, and scratch depth of 0.86 ± 0.03 µm, N = 20, compared to the titanium abutments' mean scratch width of 30.8 ± 1.9 µm, N = 6, and scratch depth of 0.34 ± 0.02 µm, N = 6. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although there a number of factors in the clinical situation which are not easily reproducible in vitro, this proof-of-principle in vitro study is the first to confirm quantitatively that titanium abutments had a significantly greater scratch resistance than cementum when metal curettes were used on these surfaces. This information should be considered, especially if there is a preferred choice of metal instruments for effective dental prophylactic procedures for the maintenance of titanium dental implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical dogma suggests that titanium implant abutment surfaces should not be instrumented with metal instruments due to scratching of the surface. However, since cementum is softer than titanium, the logic of this tenet seems flawed. This study demonstrated for the first time that titanium abutments undergo less scratch damage during scaling with metal curettes than does cementum. Metal curettes may be used on titanium abutments with as much confidence as for root planing on natural teeth.