INTRODUCTION

The microbiota associated with peri-implant diseases has been described, though information about biofilm formation and development on dental implants remains scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze and compare biofilm formation and distribution at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days on experimental abutments simulating dental implants in peri-implant healthy patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Experimental abutments with micro-threads and a modified rough surface were placed in healthy dental implants of 10 patients. Instructions were given not to clean the abutments for the duration of the study. Exclusion criteria included the use of antiseptics or antibiotics 30 days prior to recruitment or during the study period. After 24 h, 48 h and 7 days, the abutments were removed and stained using LIVE/DEAD stain, and two sides (buccal and palatal/lingual) and two areas (supragingival and subgingival) were assessed, with measurement of the mean biofilm covering area.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine experimental abutments placed in 10 patients were assessed. The total mean biomass coverage areas were 9.3%, 16.2% and 16.8% at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days, respectively, with significant differences being observed between 24 h and the subsequent timepoints (p < 0.05). Significantly greater supragingival biofilm coverage was observed at 7 days in comparison with the subgingival zone (21.85% versus 11.7%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Biofilm coverage on healthy dental implants increases progressively during the first 48 h and then stabilizes. The biofilm is mainly composed of live cells in the supragingival and subgingival areas. After 7 days, the supragingival areas show significantly greater biofilm coverage.