Biofilm Formation on Dental Restorative and Implant Materials

Abstract

Biomaterials for the restoration of oral function are prone to biofilm formation, affecting oral health. Oral bacteria adhere to hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, but due to fluctuating shear, little biofilm accumulates on hydrophobic surfaces in vivo. More biofilm accumulates on rough than on smooth surfaces. Oral biofilms mostly consist of multiple bacterial strains, but Candida species are found on acrylic dentures. Biofilms on gold and amalgam in vivo are thick and fully covering, but barely viable. Biofilms on ceramics are thin and highly viable. Biofilms on composites and glass-ionomer cements cause surface deterioration, which enhances biofilm formation again. Residual monomer release from composites influences biofilm growth in vitro, but effects in vivo are less pronounced, probably due to the large volume of saliva into which compounds are released and its continuous refreshment. Similarly, conflicting results have been reported on effects of fluoride release from glass-ionomer cements. Finally, biomaterial-associated infection of implants and devices elsewhere in the body is compared with oral biofilm formation. Biomaterial modifications to discourage biofilm formation on implants and devices are critically discussed for possible applications in dentistry. It is concluded that, for dental applications, antimicrobial coatings killing bacteria upon contact are more promising than antimicrobial-releasing coatings.

Microbiological and immuno-pathological aspects of peri-implant diseases

“…These are genetically defined in each individual, and hence the same proteins that coat natural teeth and implants can be recognized by the same bacterial species. In this respect, potential differences in bacterial adhesion due to surface microstructure may partially be equilibrated by the mediating salivary pellicle (42). Hence, given the biological involvement of the pellicle, implant surface characteristics may not notably affect the initial stages of biofilm formation and composition.…”

Relevance of surface characteristics in the adhesiveness of polymicrobial biofilms to crown restoration materials

“…The quantity of plaque generated on the surfaces of these materials has varied substantially in clinical trials. However, the surface characteristics of dental materials, as well as the adhesion and generation of biofilms on these surfaces, are rarely reported (14,15).…”

Comparison of biofilm formation and migration of Streptococcus mutans on tooth roots and titanium miniscrews

“…As the biofilm expands and matures, its virulence increases. Surface properties of implants, chemical composition, roughness, free energy, surface topography and surface stiffness, and so on have direct influence on the nature of bacteria colonization and biofilm formation (Busscher, Rinastiti, Siswomihardjo, & Van der Mei, 2010; Dhir, 2013; Souza et al, 2016; Subramani, Jung, Molenberg, & Hämmerle, 2009). Periodontal biofilm microbiota has been thoroughly investigated and characterized, and Streptococcus mutans ( S .…”