MICROBIAL RECOLONIZATION OF THE INTERNAL SURFACES OF THE IMPLANT-ABUTMENT JUNCTION AFTER DISINFECTION WITH IODINE SOLUTION: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Infiltration of organic fluids and microorganisms at the abutment/implant interface may result in bacterial infection of the peri-implant tissues. Internal colonization of periodontal pathogens may be originated by bacteria trapped during installation or by penetration of abutment/implant leakage. However, there is few data on microbial recolonization in this interface. The aim of this pilot study was to detect periodontal pathogens in the internal area of dental implants after disinfection with iodine solution. Eight implants in 4 subjects were selected for this preliminary evaluation. Before bacterial plaque sample collection, the prosthetic elements (crown, abutment-screw, and abutment) of the selected implants and the internal area of the implant were rinsed in a mixture of 0.02% iodine-alcohol. At this time plaque samples were taken after disinfection (baseline), and 30 and 90 days after-therapy. Microbiological evaluation for Aggregatibacte actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola was performed by culture media and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After disinfection none of the target periodontal pathogens could be detected. However, F. nucleatum, T. denticola and P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and C. rectus were detected at 30 and 90 days post-therapy, respectively. In conclusion, the disinfection of the abutment/implant interface did not prevent bacterial contamination, and this leakage serves as a reservoir of periodontal pathogens.