ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Stomatologica 2004 October;53(10):591-602

Copyright © 2004 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Observation of titanium pretreatment effects using a scanning electron microscope and study of titanium/ceramic and titanium/resin adhesive interface

Giachetti L., Scaminaci Russo D., Valentini S., Villanacci C.

Aim. A morphological analysis is made of the titanium surface sandblasted using different sized microparticles, as well as an analysis of the adhesive interface after having layered the ceramic and resin on the same prepared surface.
Methods. A total of 14 titanium samples were prepared and randomly divided into 4 groups according to their different preparation methods. Group 1: control, no surface treatment. Group 2: 50 µm aluminium dioxide treatment. Group 3: 150 µm aluminium dioxide treatment. Group 4: Rocatec Plus system treatment. Samples of groups 2, 3, and 4 were subdivided into 2 groups: A) only sandblasted, B) sandblasted and ceramic (2B and 3B) or resin (4B) layered on top. The treated surface and the interface were then observed by scanning electrom microscope.
Results. Group 2 surface appeared irregular and rough; the interface with ceramic appeared discontinuous. Group 3 surface presented larger and deeper cavities where ceramic penetrated completely. Group 4 samples presented a rough surface covered by silicate particles and the interface between titanium and resin appeared regular and continuous.
Conclusion. In order to guarantee an adequate interface, the 150 µm pretreated titanium surface seemed more suitable than the 50 µm one. The Rocatec Plus system was successful in obtaining an optimal layering with the resin due to its excellent quality.