Abstract

Objectives. To explore the effect of surface characteristics on the total volume and viability of a bacterial biofilm developed on the surface of PEEK and titanium healing abutments. Methods. Surface parameters S-a and S-k, as well as the surface energy of PEEK and titanium healing abutments (n=3) were determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and contact angle, respectively. The total volume and viability of a multispecies bacterial biofilm cultivated for 30 days were determined using CLSM and the LIVE/DEAD BacLight reactive kit. Effect size was determined using Cohen's d. Results. PEEK healing abutments displayed a higher surface roughness than titanium (S-a 0.41 mu m vs 0.17 mu m), although no differences in surface energy were observed. Despite the higher total volume of the biofilm measured on titanium abutments compared to PEEK (696 mu m(3) vs 419 mu m(3)), no differences in the live/dead bacterial ratio were observed. Conclusions. Bacterial viability of the biofilm did not show a direct relation to the surface characteristics of PEEK and titanium healing abutments.