Surface quality after implantoplasty.

Implantoplasty describes a method using rotating instruments to smoothen rough implant surfaces which are exposed to the oral cavity. The goal of this procedure is to reduce the adherence of plaque and to facilitate the cleaning of the implant surfaces. The aim of this study was to compare different rotary instruments for their effectiveness and efficiency to smoothen micro-rough implant surfaces. For this purpose, 22 implants were processed with 10 different cutters and one diamond bur under standardized conditions, and then analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, collection of roughness data (Ra values, arithmetic mean roughness, Rz values, and average roughness) was obtained by using tactile surface measurement. The time needed to reach a subjectively-assessed smooth surface was determined for each instrument. The statistical analysis included the calculation of the mean values (± SD) for the required time, Ra and Rz values and the examination of correlations between these parameters, taking the logarithm of the values obtained and comparing them with linear mixed models. Irrespective of the drill design (spherical or conical) all rotary instruments used in the study showed obvious variations in processing times as well as significant differences (p < 0.001) of Ra and Rz values. The processing time required did not correlate with the Ra-(p = 0.44) or the Rz values (p = 0.83). Compared to spherical carbide cutters with transversal grooves, the conical cutters had the lowest mean roughness values (<1 micron).