Degradation of dental implant systems after immersion in therapeutic gels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes on implant-abutment surfaces after immersion systems in 2% chlorhexidine or 1% citric acid. Implant-abutment systems were embedded in epoxy resin and cross-sectioned at delimited areas to be immersed in 2% Chlorhexidine (CG) or 1% Citric Acid (CAG) Gel for 4 and 2 min, respectively. The surfaces were analyzed by profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed changes on the test surfaces after immersion in chlorhexidine or citric acid. Signs of corrosion were more evident for CAG. Before immersion, Ra roughness mean values were at 0.035 µm for GC implant and at 0.022 µm for GC abutment; while Ra mean values were at 0.038 µm for CAG implant and 0.016 µm for CAG abutment. After immersion, Ra roughness mean values were at 0.041 µm for GC implant and 0.033 µm for GC abutment; while Ra mean values were at 0.49 µm for CAG implant and 0.031 µm for CAG abutment. All groups showed statistically significant differences when compared (p < 0.05). It was concluded that both gels applied caused change on dental implant systems being more intense when immersed in 1% citric acid.