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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
In vivo study of the initial bacterial adhesion on different implant materials
A Al-Ahmad1, M Wiedmann-Al-Ahmad, A Fackler
1Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany. ali.al-ahmad@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Archives of Oral Biology
|May 23, 2013
Summary
Initial bacterial adhesion on dental implants is influenced by material surface topography. Highly polished surfaces may reduce biofilm formation and the risk of peri-implantitis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Dental Implantology
Background:
- Biofilm formation on implant surfaces is a key factor in peri-implantitis development.
- Understanding early bacterial adhesion is crucial for preventing implant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vivo the initial bacterial adhesion on six different dental implant materials.
- To correlate bacterial colonization with material surface properties.
Main Methods:
- Six implant materials (Ti-m, TiUnite®, ZiUnite®, ATZ-m, ATZ-s, TZP-A-m) and bovine enamel were exposed orally for 30 and 120 minutes.
- Quantitative analysis of adherent bacteria using DAPI staining.
- Visualization and quantification of specific bacterial species (Eubacteria, Veillonella spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces naeslundii, Streptococcus spp.) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Main Results:
- Bacterial adhesion increased with longer oral exposure times.
- ZiUnite® showed the highest colonization, while bovine enamel and Ti-m showed the lowest.
- Early bacterial colonization significantly correlated with material surface roughness.
- Streptococcus spp. were the predominant colonizers across all tested materials.
Conclusions:
- Material surface topography significantly influences initial biofilm formation, even with a salivary pellicle.
- Highly polished implant surfaces are recommended to minimize biofilm formation, plaque accumulation, and potentially reduce peri-implantitis risk.
