Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the formation of biofilms on the surface of materials applied for the fabrication of implant abutments. Material and methodsSpecimens were prepared from the implant abutment materials titanium, zirconia, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK); specimens made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were used for reference. All specimens were polished to high gloss using silicon carbide ...
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the formation of biofilms on the surface of materials applied for the fabrication of implant abutments. Material and methodsSpecimens were prepared from the implant abutment materials titanium, zirconia, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK); specimens made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were used for reference. All specimens were polished to high gloss using silicon carbide paper; surface roughness was determined using profilometry, and surface free energy was calculated from contact angle measurements. After the simulation of salivary pellicle formation, multispecies biofilm formation was initiated by exposing the specimens to a suspension of Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Candida albicans for either 20 or 44h. Viable microbial biomass adherent to the specimens (n=10 per material and incubation time) and the percentage of dead microorganisms in the different biofilms (n=5, accordingly) were determined. ResultsSignificantly lower surface roughness was identified for PEEK and PMMA than for zirconia and titanium (P<0.001); surface free energy was significantly lower for zirconia than for PEEK (P=0.038). Significantly higher viable biomass and a significantly higher percentage of dead microorganisms were identified after 44h than after 20h of biofilm formation (P<0.001, respectively); after 20h, PEEK surfaces harbored significantly lower viable biomass than the surfaces of the other materials (P<0.0125). After 44h, significant differences were identified in the percentage of dead microorganisms organized in the biofilms on the different materials (P=0.012). ConclusionsWithin the limitations of a laboratory study, the results suggest that biofilm formation on the surface of PEEK is equal or lower than on the surface of conventionally applied abutment materials such as zirconia and titanium. However, clinical studies are necessary to corroborate these preliminary results.
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