Objective: As a spin-off from fiber-reinforced resin products the French company Carbotech (Ganges) has developed stain and calculus removal instruments (Stainbuster). The gentle and minimally invasive cleaning effect of these fiber-loaded resin burs on enamel and dentin surfaces has been proven in previous trials. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the suitability of such instruments for removal of resin remnants from dental implant and ceramic crown surfaces. Methods: Ceramic abutments were fitted onto four implants each of two implant systems (Branemark, Nobel Biocare, Sweden and Frialit 2, Friadent, Germany). All-ceramic crowns were seated onto the abutments with the dual-curing resin cement Panavia F (Kuraray, Okayama, Japan). For examination of the cleaning effect in the transition area between the titanium-coated implant and the all-ceramic-crown surfaces resin excess was removed with the Stainbuster from the one and with rubber points from the opposite side. The instrumented surfaces were examined both under a stereomicroscope and by SEM for grinding scratches and resin remnants. Results: Inspection by stereomicroscope revealed no difference in resin remnant removal efficiency with the Stainbuster and the rubber point method, respectively. When compared with non-instrumented reference surfaces SEM inspection showed very shallow grinding scratches only, both on the crown and implant surfaces. Removal of luting resin from the target surfaces was more complete with the Stainbuster burs. Particularly, in undercut areas, due to better access, Stainbuster cleaning was substantially better than conventional cleaning with rubber points. Conclusion: Removal of the adhesive luting cement Panavia F with the Stainbuster burs from implant surfaces, ceramic abutments, and full-ceramic crowns is a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure. Compared with rubber point cleaning, the crucial advantage of the fiber instrument is the good access to narrow undercut areas and inter-proximal spaces.

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