Impact of different surface treatments on flexural strength and surface roughness of zirconia implant material: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effect of various surface treatment options on surface roughness and flexural strength of the zirconia implant material. Materials and methods: This study included a total of 45 prefabricated samples of sintered zirconia disks. Grit papers of silicon carbide (240–1200 μm) were used to polish the sample surfaces and were then washed with water to clear any particles generated while polishing. These samples were segregated into three groups (15 samples in each group). Group I: control, group II: UV light-treated zirconia disks, group III: sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA)-treated zirconia disks. The surface characteristics of test samples post-surface treatment were evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Post-surface treatment of all the three groups, surface roughness was analyzed with a digital optical profilometer. Flexural strength of zirconia samples was assessed using piston on a Universal load testing machine with the three-point bending test. Results: The highest surface roughness was recorded in SLA-treated zirconia group (0.524 ± 0.028) next by UV light-treated group (0.510 ± 0.132) and control group (0.466 ± 0.016). However, there was no statistically significant result seen between the groups. The highest flexural strength was found in the control group (596.21 ± 1.246) next by UV light-treated (488.45 ± 2.108) and SLA-treated zirconia group (424.67 ± 1.022). A statistically significant result was recorded between groups I and II, groups I and III (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The highest surface roughness was recorded in the SLA-treated zirconia group followed by the UV light-treated group and the control group. There was a statistically significant difference noted for flexural strength between the control group with the SLA group and the UV light-treated group. Clinical significance: The ongoing research in dentistry aims for enhancements in the bioactivity of zirconia implants so as to achieve improved healing and lowered morbidity. Now a days, zirconia is gradually emerging as an important material that might substitute the gold standard of the dental implant.