The results of the adhesion of microorganisms to the surface of the modified prosthetic obturator

t Obturator prostheses can be populated by microorganisms and function as a reservoir of infection. After resection of the upper jaw, the obturators are also exposed to microorganisms living in the nose and paranasal sinuses. The aim is to evaluate in vitro biofilm formation by various types of oral bacteria on titanium and polyesteresterketone (PEEK) samples from experimental groups. Materials and methods. A total of 115 samples were prepared, which, depending on the treatment, were divided into 6 groups: group 1 (control) included 15 samples of smoothtreated titanium alloy - T-a; group 2 – 20 samples of titanium treated with laser – T-l; group 3 – 20 samples of smooth-processed PEEK; group 4 – 20 samples of PEEK modified with a laser – PEEK-l, group 5 – 20 samples of PEEK treated with PEEK-p; group 6 – 20 samples of PEEK treated with a laser and plasma – PEEK-lp. Titanium discs were milled from titanium alloy, PEEK discs were prepared from PEEK rods and subsequently subjected to laser texturing with micro grooves. Reference strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were used. Results. The smallest number of all types of microorganisms was observed on the surface of PEEK samples treated with plasma, as well as laser+plasma, i.e. in groups 5 and 6. The highest attached CoES were Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus oralis. Samples from PEEK are comparable to titanium alloy in many aspects and may be the best choice in some specific treatment situations, which confirmed the null hypothesis. Our observations allowed us to obtain valuable information about the influence of various types of surface treatment on its topography, which can serve as a basis for the development of improved surface properties of materials. The use of PEEK as an alternative to metal is excellent. Therefore, permanent upper jaw obturator with PEEK fixation can be considered as a promising method of treating patients with acquired maxillary defects.