Grit-blasting of titanium base surfaces for the cementation of implant-supported prostheses

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to perform a scoping review on the effects of the grit-blasting on titanium base surfaces concerning the bonding of resin-matrix luting materials and prosthetic structures. Methods: The search was conducted in PubMed (via the National Library of Medicine) and Scopus for articles published from January 2010 until July 2025 using the following combinations of search terms: “surface” AND “abutment” AND “titanium” AND “sand blasting” OR “grit blasting” AND “retention” OR “adhesion” OR “resin cement”. Results: The search identified 36 studies, of which 19 were considered relevant for this study. Results showed higher roughness values (0.6–2.3 μm) of the titanium base surfaces after grit-blasting when compared to surfaces free of modification (0.04 μm). Also, macro- and micro-scale retentive areas were performed using alternative methods such as laser texturing approaches. Surfaces modified by grit-blasting showed higher shear bond strength to resin-matrix cements at around 33 and 36 N/mm2 when compared to untreated surfaces (11–18 N/mm2). Grit-blasted surfaces showed higher mean values of tensile bond forces to resin-matrix cements ranging from 305 up to 853 N when compared to untreated surfaces (160–250 N). Conclusions: Machined titanium base free of surface modification revealed low roughness and non-retentive regions for resin-matrix luting materials. After grit-blasting, roughness increased, and the morphological aspects of the surfaces established a mechanical interlocking of the resin-matrix luting materials onto the surfaces leading to high bond strength values. The combination of grit-blasting and other physical surface methods can enhance the retention of titanium base to resin-matrix luting agents adhered to prosthetic structures. Clinical significance: Cement-retained implant-supported prostheses depend on the textured titanium surfaces and the type of resin-matrix luting materials. Additionally, the cementation clinical procedure should be associated with the type of resin-matrix luting materials and adhesive systems. Thus, clinicians must be aware on the several parameters to enhance the adhesion of cement-retained prostheses over titanium base for abutments.