Early colonization of dental implants by putative periodontal pathogens in partially edentulous patients

Aim of the study

To study the peri-implant bacterial colonisation in partially edentulous patients after having recorded the prevalence and proportions of periodontal pathogens before and during surgery.

Materials and methods

An analysis of the cultivable microorganisms from the saliva and from periodontal pockets of 20 patients was undertaken preoperatively, then in the immediate post-surgical phase before placing implants, during connection of the abutments and finally at 1, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.

Results

Six months after exposure of the implants, the flora around the implants was similar to that of the periodontal pockets. Aa, isolated from periodontal sites in 2 patients at the beginning of the study, could not be found on implants. That was not the case with Pg which, found initially on 2 patients, was present at 12 months on the implants. This was associated with implant failure for one of the patients and for infection complications at 8 months in a third patient where Pg was isolated.

Conclusion

It is important to control infection in partially edentulous patients who have previously suffered from periodontitis in order to prevent peri-implantitis. Appropriate anti-microbial therapy must be undertaken to ensure that this has occurred, prior to placement of the implants.

Commentaries

Taking into account the low rates of implant failure, this study merits being undertaken on a larger number of patients in order to provide a better interpretation of the incidence of periodontal pathogens and their effects on the longevity of implants. Moreover, the authors have masked the role of host defence which could explain the absence of complications, despite the presence of these same pathogens.