Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity Associated with Transmucosal Components of Implants

Abstract

Background: Recently, there has been a growing interest in mucointegration as the formation of an early and long-standing soft tissue barrier seems essential for both the initial healing and long-term implant survival. The mucointegration is of major importance to ensure good prognosis of implant and to prevent bacterial progression from the oral cavity on the implant surface. Another important parameter is the design and material composition of the trans-mucosal components because it can create a stabilizing ring of connective tissue to protect underlying structures. Transmucosal components include healing abutment and prosthetic abutment. Prosthetic abutments must have properties including biocompatibility, polishability, antimicrobial properties, etc. Few of various prosthetic abutments which are commonly available were studied for antimicrobial activity in this paper.

Aim: To evaluate and compare antimicrobial activity on prosthetic abutment of implant

Material & Methods: Various implant prosthetic abutment materials which are available today include titanium, cobalt chromium, zirconia polished and zirconia glazed, peek etc. Out of these titanium, cobalt chromium, zirconia polished and glazed zirconia were studied for antimicrobial activity. The saliva samples were collected and depending upon prosthetic abutments selected, it was divided into various groups. The selected prosthetic abutments were immersed in saliva samples and cultured. After specific period of time microbial flora from the prosthetic abutments was scrapped and identified under a microscope for its type and quantity then the groups were compared.

Results: Results showed titanium abutment material showed less microbial activity as compared to other groups, while cobalt chromium abutment material showed high microbial activity. Glazed and polished zirconia material did not show any significant difference with each other and titanium abutment group.

Conclusion: Less the microbes present on the prosthetic abutment material, more was antimicrobial activity of the material and vice versa. Better the antimicrobial activity, better the soft tissue health and mucointegration and thus leading to long term success of implants.