Implants and infections with special reference to oral bacteria

Osseointegration or bony anchorage of oral implants was first described by Brånemark and coworkers. This type of connection between the titanium oxide layer and the bone gives stable long-term results for the implants in function. Fibrous tissue interphase between implant and bone will allow mobility which will gradually increase and cause implant failure. The microbiota around stable versus failing implants seem to parallel the patterns around healthy versus diseased natural teeth. Infections most often develop around failing implants. This may create mostly localized, but sometimes even widespread serious infection problems. Metastatic infectious problems related to endo-prosthesis replacing joints and cardiovascular structures are briefly discussed in connection with bacteremia caused by oral infections in general and surgical procedures.