How are abutments (semicritical, possibly critical medical devices) cleaned? The EADT and experts discussed the topic in detail during a discussion round. A meaningful excerpt from the complex summary is published in the current issue of “Quintessenz Zahntechnik”!
About the publication: Link
Brief description of the problem
The surface topography and purity of CAD/CAM implant abutments (titanium, zirconium oxide) from different manufacturers were examined in in vitro studies [1, 2]. Upon delivery, all of the CAD/CAM abutments examined showed roughening due to process engineering, support and insert particles (debris) as well as organic and inorganic contamination. These contaminants (process-related residues) can arise from milling chips, coolant or chemical washing protocols as residues from surface processing.
Left: SEM image of an abutment cleaned with a dental steam jet. Clear contamination (red markings) is visible on the surface.
Right: SEM images in comparison - The image on the left shows an abutment cleaned and sterilized according to the Canullo protocol. The photo on the right shows the abutment that was cleaned with the dental steam jet.
Many thanks for the SEM images and the support to Dr. Dirk Duddeck (Medical Materials Research Institute, Berlin).
Expert discussion
Based on the current study situation and scientific research results, possible procedures for the post-processing and cleaning of individual implant prosthetic components were examined in more detail. The aim of the discussion was to provide dental technicians with a practical and reproducible workflow for achieving a cleaned abutment.
Download the full expert paper: Link
[1] Canullo L, Micarelli C, Lembo-Fazio L, Iannello G, Clementini M. Microscopical and microbiologic characterization of customized titanium abutments after different cleaning procedures. Clin Oral Implants Res 2012;25:1–9.
[2] Gehrke P, Tabellion A, Fischer C. Microscopical and chemical surface characterization of CAD/CAM zircona abutments after different cleaning procedures. A qualitative analysis. J Adv Prosthodont 2015;2:151-159.