Clinical and microbiological evaluation of the peri-implant colonization of cemented-retained restorations on titanium or zirconia abutments

Abstract

Culture-based and molecular diagnosis methods have been largely used to identify and quantify microbial species harboring several hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. However, few studies have correlated the impact of microorganisms colonizing oral surfaces on the clinical parameters of dental implants in function. The oral microbiota comprehends a complex ecosystem where up to 700 different microbial species can be found. Most of these species have a synergism and are related to the maintenance of oral tissues health; while other less common species (such as pathogenic and opportunistic species) may be overwhelmed in specific conditions leading to inflammatory reactions, which may compromise the long-term success of dental implants. The aim of this longitudinal study is to compare the microbial biofilm formed into the peri-implant sulci and implant-supported restorations cemented on the titanium or zirconia-based abutments after 12, 24, and 36 months of loading in healthy individuals. Data provided by the microbiological analyses from Next Generation Sequencing (pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA-based PCR) will be related with clinical outcomes assessed by probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment, and marginal bone resorption. (AU)