Effects of chlorhexidine and stannous fluoride on fibroblast attachment to different implant surfaces

This study evaluated, in vitro, the attachment of gingival fibroblasts to dental implants of differing surface character treated with 0.12% chlorhexidine, 1.64% stannous fluoride, or sterile saline. Specimens were divided into three groups, each composed of 18 dental implants. Each group featured a different implant surface texture, ie, smooth titanium, hydroxylapatite plasma-spray, or titanium plasma-spray. Following adsorption of salivary pellicle, six implants from each group were treated with chlorhexidine, stannous fluoride, or sterile saline. They were then cultured with fibroblasts for 24 hours and photographed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell counts were then performed. Analysis of results showed a significantly greater number of fibroblasts attached to specimens treated with saline or chlorhexidine than to those treated with stannous fluoride. Furthermore, fibroblasts were more likely to attach to rough-surfaced than to smooth-surfaced specimens.