# Effect of air polishing on surface roughness in implant abutments

## TL;DR

This study examines how air polishing with different powders affects the surface roughness of dental implant abutments.

## Contribution

The study introduces a comparison of three abrasive powders' effects on titanium implant abutment surface roughness.

## Key findings

- Erythritol and glycine powders caused minimal changes in surface roughness.
- Sodium bicarbonate powder significantly increased surface roughness.
- Glycine and erythritol are recommended for implant abutment cleaning.

## Abstract

This in vitro investigation attempts to assess how air polishing with various abrasive powders affects implant
abutment surface roughness. Thirty titanium implant abutments, split into three groups of ten each, were used in this
in vitro investigation. Powdered glycine was given to Group A, powdered sodium bicarbonate to Group B and powdered
erythritol to Group C. For 20 seconds, all abutments were air polished at a pressure of 60 psi and a nozzle distance of 5 mm. A
profilometer assessed the surface roughness (Ra values) before and after treatment. Implant abutments' surface roughness changed very
little after air polishing with erythritol and glycine powders. Therefore, implant care is possible. Sodium bicarbonate powder, on the
other hand, dramatically increased surface roughness, which would raise the possibility of biofilm formation. Consequently, it is
advised to regularly clean implant abutments using glycine and erythritol.