Evaluation of peri-implant microbiota using the polymerase chain reaction in completely edentulous patients before and after placement of implant-supported prostheses submitted to immediate load.

PURPOSE

To evaluate, by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia in the mandibular arch of completely edentulous subjects before implant placement and 4 and 6 months after the placement of mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients had bacterial plaque collected with sterile paper points before implant placement (ie, when they were completely edentulous) and at 3 sites on the peri-implant sulci displaying the largest probing depths after placement of 5 implants.

RESULTS

For the edentulous arch, A actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 13.3% of subjects, P intermedia was detected in 46.7% of subjects, and there was no detection of P gingivalis. After 4 and 6 months of implant placement, A actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 60% and 73.3% respectively; P intermedia in 46.7% and 53.3% respectively; and P gingivalis in 46.7% and 53.3%, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Future diagnosis should not be restricted to distinguishing individuals at risk of peri-implant disease. Such individuals should be identified by the employment of microbiologic methods and knowledge of the multifactorial nature of the host response to the action of microorganisms.

CONCLUSIONS

The longer the implants were in the oral cavity, the higher the occurrence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and P. intermedia in the peri-implant sulci of completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses was, without any clinical or radiographic evidence indicating peri-implant disease in the studied period.