Effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma on wettability of implant prosthetic materials: an in-vitro study

Abstract Purpose Surface wettability is a key factor in bonding of dental materials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different exposure times of cold atmospheric pressure plasma at constant power on the surface wettability of various dental materials employed in implantology, using the “Piezo-Brush ® ” PZ3 cold atmospheric pressure plasma device. Methods Seventy-five standardized specimens made of titanium alloy, zirconia, lithium disilicate and polymer-infiltrated hybrid ceramic network were manufactured and polished. Specimens of each material were divided into 5 groups (each n = 15). Four groups were cold atmospheric pressure plasma treated for 5, 10, 20, 30 s and compared to the untreated control group. Surface wettability was assessed by measuring the contact angle of distilled water using a goniometer. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. Results The mean contact angle was significantly reduced by 60–80% after 5 s of cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for all investigated materials ( p < 0.001). Prolonged cold atmospheric pressure plasma exposure resulted in further reduction in mean contact angle values for titanium at each additional treatment duration ( p < 0.001), whereas for lithium disilicate a reduction was observed only up to 10 s. For zirconia and polymer-infiltrated hybrid ceramic network, no further reduction in contact angle was observed beyond 5 s of cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. Conclusion Cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment significantly increases surface wettability after short exposure times. Within the limitations of this study, these findings may indicate a potential improvement in adhesion behavior. However, under the plasma parameters applied, extending treatment beyond 5 s for zirconia and polymer-infiltrated hybrid ceramic network or beyond 10 s for titanium and lithium disilicate did not result in further reduction of contact angle. The clinical relevance of these findings requires further investigation. Graphical abstract