Comparative Analysis of the Presence of Staphylococcus Epidermidis in the Implant-Abutment Junction Zone in Different Dental Implant Models

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of Staphylococcus epidermidis present at the implant-abutment interface of two different brands of dental implants. Twenty implants and 20 straight internal connection abutments of these brands were analyzed by immersing them in blood agar in Petri dishes and evaluating the DNA of the colonies at the interface. Using a saliva sample dipped in a Staphylococcus epidermidis strain, the number of microorganisms entering the implant-abutment interface was determined. Brand B1 exhibited a lower presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis (range 0-2000 CFU/ml) compared to brand C1, which presented a higher quantity (range 12000-19000 CFU/ml). It was evident that the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis at the implant-abutment interface of B1 (average 800 CFU/ml) was lower than in C1 (1560 CFU/ml). These results indicate a moderate presence in C1 and a slight presence in B1, and it was statistically determined that the adhesion and quantity of Staphylococcus epidermidis depend on the colonized surfaces (p <0.05).