Evaluation of changes in the surface topography of implant after implantation

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the surface topography of implant system after implantation procedure. Materials and Methods: Branemark implant system was selected and placed and removed in the patient and viewed under SEM for the changes in surface topography. Sandblasting, plasma spraying, and acid etching are the most common approaches used by manufacturers to alter surface topography and increase the surface area of implants. Changes on the implant surface are known to affect the percentage of osseointegration and success of the procedure. The various surface modifications, which aid in osseointegration, could be affected by the insertion torque (35–45 N) exerted during implantation. In this study, we have used SEM – Stereo Scan 440 to evaluate the surface topography. Results: The SEM images of the implant system after implantation showedat there is no noticeable difference between the apical and middle portions of the implant. Surface irregularities (roughness) reduced in the coronal portionof the implant. Conclusion: Implant surface topography is not the only criterion for implant success; the other considerations such as type of bone, quality of bone, and host response also have an important role in implant success. The complete characterization of complex surface topographies of commercial implants requires more than one method to describe the whole surface topography, from macro to nano range.