SEM Analysis of Sandblasted Double Acid Etched Titanium Implant.

Objective: The purpose of this work is to determine the surface morphology obtained by sandblasting and double treatment with acids of titanium implants (BioActive Treatment, B&B Dental Implant Company S.r.l., Bologna, Italy). Method: Implant surfaces are sandblasted with alumina oxide (Al₂0₃) by using a dedicated appliance. The surface is treated with a double etching by using mineral acids (phosphoric acid). Implant surfaces are cleaned with Argon plasma in a class 10.000 clean room, to guarantee the absence of environmental contamination. As an efficacy test, surfaces undergo x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA). The surface topography of the implants was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Roughness was evaluated quantitatively using dedicated software to convert conventional SEM images into three-dimensional data (Mex 4.2, Alicona Imaging GmbH, Graz, Austria). EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) analysis was performed. Result: The SEM observation shows, in a low magnification (200x), a nice machining work, together with a homogeneous surface finish without particles or blasting residuals. Increasing the magnification, (2500-5000x) show the typical structure of micro-roughness surfaces treated with double acid attack. Values emerged from stereo SEM analysis:Ra 3.19 ± 1.06, Rq 4.78±1.15, Rt 11.41±1.06. EDX analysis confirms that the only elements detected are Ti, Al and V. Conclusion: As known and reported in the scientific literature, this micro-topography enables the surface to act as a “sponge”, interacting strongly with the clot and stimulating bone regeneration. The initial roughness level favours osteoblast cells anchor and the integration with the bone tissue, reducing the osseointegration time. With the limits of this study, this treatment seem to obtain by subtraction an implant surface with a controlled micro-roughness and absence of contaminants or foreign deposits.