Fig 10. CLSM reconstructions of in situ biofilm formation.

A, B, and C, show 3D reconstructions of machined, grit-blasted, and laser-treated surfaces, respectively. A complete coverage of the inner parts of the implant threads with mostly viable cells can be observed in all specimens except for laser-treated surfaces. D (grit-blasted specimen) and E (laser-treated specimen) reconstructions show at a higher magnification the inner part of an implant thread. Laser-treated specimens present few dead microbial cells colonizing the bottom of the threads, while an intense colonization of predominantly viable cells can be found on the inclined surfaces of the threads.