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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
11:19
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
Bacterial plaque colonization around dental implant surfaces
Ugo Covani1, Simone Marconcini, Roberto Crespi
1Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Implant Dentistry
|September 13, 2006
Summary
Histologic analysis of failed dental implants revealed heavy bacterial colonization at the abutment-implant interface. This suggests the micro-gap may pose a risk for bone loss due to bacterial infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Oral Implantology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Dental implant failures are a significant concern in restorative dentistry.
- Understanding bacterial colonization patterns is crucial for preventing implant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and types of bacteria on internal and external surfaces of failed dental implants.
- To analyze bacterial infiltration at the abutment-implant interface using histologic methods.
Main Methods:
- Histologic analysis of 15 failed implants (10 pure titanium, 5 hydroxyapatite-coated titanium).
- Implants were retrieved due to peri-implant radiolucency and clinical mobility.
- Bacterial presence at the abutment/implant interface and implant surface was examined.
Main Results:
- All failed implants exhibited a radiolucent space around them.
- Cocci and filament bacteria adhered perpendicularly to the implant surface.
- Significant bacterial colonization was consistently observed at the implant/abutment interface.
Conclusions:
- Two-stage dental implants show substantial bacterial colonization at the abutment-implant interface.
- The micro-gap at the bone level may facilitate bacterial penetration, potentially leading to bone loss.
- Findings support the hypothesis linking micro-gap bacterial colonization to peri-implant bone loss.
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