In vitro analysis of the effects of two air-abrasive prophylaxis systems and inlet air pressure on the surface of titanium abutment cylinders.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two air-abrasive prophylaxis systems and the effect of inlet air pressure on the surface of Brånemark titanium abutment cylinders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single abutment cylinders were treated with either the Prophy-Jet system (sodium bicarbonate abrasive) (Dentsply International, York, PA) or the Microprophy system (aluminum oxide abrasive) (Danville Engineering Co, Danville, CA) for 60 seconds at an inlet air pressure of 60 psi or 90 psi. The effects on the surface of each abutment cylinder were visually inspected by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS: A comparison of abutment cylinder surfaces after treatment showed that the Prophy-Jet system removed machining marks to a greater degree than the Microprophy system. Sodium bicarbonate particles from the Prophy-Jet system were significantly larger than the aluminum oxide particles used with the Microprophy system, potentially accounting for the difference in abrasivity. In addition, inlet air pressure of 60 psi caused removal of machining marks to a greater degree than an inlet air pressure of 90 psi. The principle of phase separation may account for the lower inlet air pressure causing more removal of machining marks than the higher inlet air pressure.

CONCLUSIONS: Under the experimental conditions tested, neither of the two systems tested seemed to cause significant abrasion of the surface of titanium abutment cylinders.