Objective: Although existing teeth have been reported as bacterial source for peri-implant crevice (PIC) flora, limited information is available for bacterial colonization around dental implants in total edentulous cases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the saliva can be the origin of colonization within the newly formed PIC.

Materials and Methods: 10 patients with total of 20 implants were included into this study. Unstimulated saliva and PIC fluid samples were obtained at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months in function. The samples were cultured for total bacterial count and specific bacterial isolations anaerobically and in 10% carbondioxide + air, using selective and nonselective media. Also, PIC depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level (CAL) and attached gingiva, and plaque and gingival bleeding indices were included.

Results: The increase in gingival recession and the decrease in attached gingiva were statistically significant (P<0.05, Friedman's and Dunn's multiple comparaison tests). A slight decrease in CAL was noted (P>0.05). An increase in both plaque and sulcus bleeding indeces was detected following 3 months in function (P<0.05). There was no changes in PIC depth. Microbiological findings demonstrated a statistically significant increase in anaerobic bacterial colonization in PIC (P<0.05, Friedman test) while there was no difference in saliva.

Conclusion: Although there is no direct correlation between salivary and PIC flora, colonization of bacteria like P.intermedia, P.corporis, P.loescheii and P.melaninogenica can be detected at PIC if it is initially present in saliva. Thus, a trend for PIC bacterial regain through salivary flora can be observed. (This study was supported by Istanbul University Research Funds, Project number T-769/251099).

Back to the Implantology Research Program
Back to the 81st General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (June 25-28, 2003)

Top Level Search