Implant surface alterations from a nonmetallic ultrasonic tip.

This study evaluates surface alterations produced on various implant surfaces by an ultrasonic scaler fitted with a nonmetallic tip. Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloy abutments, plasma-coated implants, and hydroxyapatite-coated implants were contacted with the nonmetallic tip for 10 seconds and then evaluated for surface changes by SEM examination. The commercially pure titanium and titanium alloy surfaces showed negligible alterations from the control, thus indicating possible clinical use as a maintenance device. More severe changes were evidenced with the plasma- and hydroxyapatite-coated surfaces.