The microbiota associated with successful or failing osseointegrated titanium implants

Abstract

Mombelli A, Van Oosten MAC, Schiirch E, Lang NP. The microbiota associated with successful or failing osseointegrated titanium implants. Oral Microbiol Immunol 1987: 2: 145-151. Abstract -In this study the microbiota associated with oral endosteal titanium hollow cylinder implants (ITI) was studied using microscopic, immunochemical and cultural methods. Samples from 5 edentulous patients with successfully incorporated implants serving as abutments for overdentures for more than one year were compared with samples from 7 patients with clinically failing implants. Unsuccessful sites were characterized by pocket probing depths of 6 mm or more, suppuration and visible loss of alveolar bone around the implant as visualized on radiographs. These sites harbored a complex microbiota with a large proportion of Gram-negative anaerobic rods. Black-pigmented Bacteroides and Fusobacterium spp. were regularly found. Spirochetes, fusiform bacteria as well as motile and curved rods were a common feature in the darkfield microscopic specimens of these sites. Control sites in the same patients harbored small amounts of bacteria. The predominant morphotype was coccoid cells. Spirochetes were not present, fusiform bacteria, motile and curved rods were found infrequently and in low numbers. The microbiota in control sites in unsuccessful patients and in site in successful patients were very similar. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that "periimplaiuitis" be regarded as a site specific infection which yields many features in common with chronic adult periodontitis.

How do peri‐implant biologic parameters correspond with implant survival and peri‐implantitis? A critical review

“…In seven treatment groups, a BoP ≥ 75% was reported. Two papers reported the modified bleeding index (Mombelli, van Oosten, Schurch & Land, 1987): one the Sulcus bleeding (Muhlemann & Son, 1971) and one gave only information about bleeding for implants diagnosed with peri‐implantitis.…”

Microbiological and immuno-pathological aspects of peri-implant diseases

“…The peri-implant microflora in health consists mainly of Gram-positive cocci and non-motile bacilli, and a limited number Gram-negative anaerobic species, resembling gingival health (12,13). Nevertheless, the switch to peri-implant mucositis is associated with increased presence of cocci, motile bacilli and spirochetes, at proportions comparable to gingivitis (14).…”

“…Nevertheless, the switch to peri-implant mucositis is associated with increased presence of cocci, motile bacilli and spirochetes, at proportions comparable to gingivitis (14). The transition to peri-implantitis is associated mainly with the emergence of Gram-negative, motile, and anaerobic species that are commonly found in periodontits (12,15). Reportedly, the microbial flora of the peri-implant pockets resembles that of the neighboring periodontal pockets, while the three "red complex" species, namely Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola, can be found at higher counts in peri-implantitis (9,16,17).…”

Four‐unit fixed dental prostheses replacing the maxillary incisors supported by two narrow‐diameter implants – a five‐year case series

“…Modified plaque index (mPI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and probing depth (PD in mm) at six aspects around the implants (Mombelli et al 1987) were assessed. In addition, the width of the facial keratinized mucosa (KM) was measured on the mid-facial aspect of each implant (in mm).…”