Relation between Dental Implant Joint Surfaces and Biofilm Formation

Objective: The main aim of this work was to evaluate the multi-species biofilm formation in vitro on surfaces of dental abutment and implants. Methods: Five commercial implant-abutment assemblies (Titamax CM; Neodent®, Curitiba; Brazil) were assessed in this study. Also, commercially pure (cp) titanium grade IV square samples (10×10×1 mm) were used to prepare surfaces similar to those of titanium implant and abutments (n=10). Titanium square samples and implant-abutmentassemblies were placed into 24 well-plates containing diluted human saliva at 37°C under microaerophilic conditions (5% CO2). After 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation, biofilms were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microbiological analyses. Results: The multi-species biofilm formed at retentive areas of commercial abutments and implants like scratches,micro-gaps and defects revealed a high biofilm agglomeration, as shown by SEM analysis. The biofilm density and thecolony-forming unit number were significant higher (p<0.05) on titanium rough surfaces than that of polished titanium surfaces along the growth time. Conclusions: Biofilm analyses revealed a higher biomass density and cell viability on SLA rough surfaces than on polished ones. Abutment and implants revealed the presence of several rough areas promoted by the surface treatment that increase the biofilm accumulation at peri-implant areas.