In vitro adhesion of commensal and pathogenic bacteria to commercial titanium implants with different surfaces

[Adhesion of microorganisms to various dental materials used to form a gum contour in implant-retained restorations]

The article the literature review on dental materials for the manufacture of gum formers used in dental implantology. Adhesion of microorganisms to titanium, PMMA and PEEK resins is discussed. According to published studies PEEK polymer is characterized by a similar bacterial contamination compared to titanium but shows lower degree of contamination when compared to acrylic resins in equal conditions.

Direct Contact Test for Evaluating Bacterial Growth on Machined and Rough Surface Implants: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVE

To use a modified direct contact test (DCT) to evaluate the bacterial growth on 3 commercially available implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Streptococcus salivarius growth was tested on 1 machined surface and 2 commercial rough surface implants. Seven implants from each group were fixed to the cover of a 96-well microtiter plate. Bacterial suspension was placed on each implant, and the plate was incubated at 37°C for 1 hour to allow the suspension fluid to evaporate. Fresh medium was added to 7 corresponding wells in the microtiter plate, and the cover holding the implants was placed on the plate to enable immersion of the implant. Noncontaminated implant samples served as control. Bacterial growth was monitored spectrophotometrically at 650 nm for 24 hours.

RESULTS

There was a significant S. salivarius growth in all groups of test implants compared with the control. There was no significant difference between bacterial growth kinetics on treated and nontreated implant surfaces (P = 0.241).

CONCLUSION

Using the DCT, we found no difference in bacterial growth between machined and rough surface implants.