Residual Debris Within Internal Features of As-Received New Dental Implants.

Purpose: To investigate residual debris within internal features of new 'as received' dental implants.

Materials and methods: A total of 15 new dental implants representing various dental implant brands were obtained in sealed containers from the manufacturers. Batch numbers and implant types were documented. In a controlled setting, implants were carefully unpacked, and their internal aspects were visually examined. Further analysis involved light microscopy imaging to document and photograph any foreign material. The internal aspect of the implants were sampled with both an endodontic paper cone and a fine bristle brush swab. These were inserted into the implant, rotated three times, then removed and examined under a microscope at 30× magnification. After sampling, some of the brushes and swabs were washed with alcohol to remove debris that could be further examined under magnification.

Results: Inspection of the implants without magnification revealed no visible foreign materials. However, under light microscopy (10× and 30×), all 15 implants exhibited small black particles at various internal sites, including connections, threads, and deep within screw channels. Swabs evaluated at magnification detected what appeared to be metal particles in all 15 implants, ranging from distinct metal shards to smaller particles.

Conclusions: This study suggests that implant manufacturers have not effectively removed all machining debris from within implant bodies, potentially producing prosthetic and clinical complications.