Probing and scaling instrumentation on implant abutment surfaces: An in vitro study

PURPOSE: To investigate surface roughness on the apical collar of implant abutments caused by probing and scaling instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen transmucosal abutments (BioHorizons, Atlanta, GA) and 4 instruments: UNC-15 metal probe, Periowise plastic probe, McCall SM 17/18 metal scaler, and universal plastic scaler were used to conduct the study. Four abutments were used for nontreated measures, and 10 abutments were treated with the 4 indicated instruments. Surface roughness was assessed with a contact profilometer. RESULTS: Analysis of variance showed significant differences in surface roughness between the treated and untreated surfaces (P < 0.0001). Add hoc analysis using Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test showed no statistical differences between untreated measures and metal probe measures. On the other hand, statistical differences were noted between untreated measures with plastic probe measures (P = 0.05), plastic scaler measures (P = 0.05), and metal scaler measures (P = 0.05). The metal scaler measures were higher than plastic probe measures (P = 0.05) and plastic scaler measures (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Probing around implant abutments with a metal probe seems to have no effect on abutment surfaces. In contrast, instrumentation with scalers (metal and plastic) and plastic probe may cause surface roughness. Copyright © 2012 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.