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

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. 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”. 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/mm 2 when compared to untreated surfaces (11–18 N/mm 2 ). 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). 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. 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.