The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of tetracycline - HCl on the change of implant surface microstructure according to application time. Implants with pure titanium machined surface, SLA surface and TiO2blasted surface were used. Implant surface was rubbed with 50mg/ml tetracycline - HCl solution for ½ min., 1 min., 1½ min., 2 min., and 3min. respectively in the test group and with no conditioning in the control group. Then, the specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopic observation.
The following results were obtained.
In the pure titanium machined surfaces, the control specimen showed a more or less rough machined surface composed of alternating positive and negative lines corresponding to grooves and ridges. After treatment, machining line was more pronounced for the control specimens. but in general, test specimens were similar to control.
In the SLA surfaces, the control specimen showed that the macro roughness was achieved by large-grit sandblasting. subsequently, the acid-etching process created the micro roughness, which thus was superimposed on the macro roughness.
In the SLA surfaces, irrespective of the application time of 50mg/ml tetracycline - HCl solution , in general, test specimens were similar to control.
In the TiO2blasted surfaces the control specimen showed the rough surface with small pits. The irregularity of the TiO2blasted surfaces with 50mg/ml tetracycline - HCl solution was lessened and the flattened areas were wider relative to the application time of tetracycline - HCl solution.
In conclusion, pure titanium machined surfaces and SLA surfaces weren't changed irrespective of the application time of tetracycline - HCl solution. And the TiO2blasted surfaces conditioned with tetracycline - HCl solution began to be changed from 1½ min. This results are expected to be applied to the regenerative procedures for peri-implantitis treatment.