Published in:
01-12-2011 | case study
Pilot study on the prevalence of periodontopathogenic bacteria colonizing different implant prosthetic sites in edentulous individuals wearing implant-retained mandibular overdentures
Authors:
Stefan Lachmann, Robert Haas, Detlef Axmann, Lutz Scheideler, Georg Watzek, Heiner Weber
Published in:
international journal of stomatology & occlusion medicine
|
Issue 4/2011
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Abstract
Background
This pilot study investigated different implant and prosthetic sites for the presence of periodontopathologic bacterial species in edentulous implant recall patients free from peri-implantitis.
Methods
A total of nine edentulous individuals (mean implant wearing time 9.2 years) were investigated approximately 1 month following the scheduled annual implant recall session. The sampling locations of interest were (a) the peri-implant sulcus, (b) the inner lining of the implant screw hole and (c) the base of the removable acrylic mandibular complete denture. Samples were processed by PCR testing for the relative load of six characteristic periodontopathogenic marker species. Data were analyzed mainly in a descriptive manner.
Results
In almost all samples and all locations one or more of the respective bacterial species were detected. The predominant species werePrevotella intermedia andFusobacterium nucleatum. Other species were found only sporadically.
Conclusion
Despite regular implant recall sessions and the absence of clinical signs of peri-implant disease periodontopathogenic bacteria could be detected in all patients, all locations and virtually all samples investigated. Implant prosthetic sites may serve as a reservoir for such species in edentulous patients with long-standing implant-retained mandibular overdentures. However, there seemed to be no negative impact on the clinical appearance of any of the individuals investigated.