Effects of Different Mediums on the Surface Topography and Corrosion of Dental Implant Abutment

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of artificial saliva, carbonic drink and gutka extracts on the surface topography, corrosion kinetics and hardness of dental implant abutment.

Study Design: In-vitro experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the NED University of Engineering & Technology and Karachi University from January 2019 to October 2019.

Materials and Methods: Abutments were tested for chemical composition, hardness, surface topography, characterization of microstructural constituents and weight loss/gain at 6 and 12-weeks by atomic absorption spectroscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy.

Results: Electron dispersive spectroscopy showed significant Aluminum (Al) loss in the carbonic sample at 6 weeks’ period (p<0.05). However, at 12 weeks, significant loss of Al ion (p<0.05) in carbonic drink and loss of Titanium (Ti) and Vanadium (V) (p<0.05) in gutka extract was observed. In atomic absorption spectroscopy after 6-weeks, gutka extracts showed significant rise in Ti (p<0.05) and Al (p<0.001) levels, whereas, in artificial saliva and carbonic drink, only the levels of V were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: Changes in surface topography and level of corrosion in dental implant abutments were found significant. Gutka extracts showed highest level of degradation and dissolution among all the mediums.