Bacterial Leakage and Microgap along Implant-Abutment Connection in Three Different Implant Systems

Abstract

A microgap between implant and abutment connection can act as a bacterial source and cause inflammation, even endanger Osseointegration and subsequently change clinical and histological parameters. The goal of this study was to evaluate the microgap and microbial leakage of implant-abutment connection in three different implant systems. In this experimental study, 28 implants in 3 groups (10 Zimmer with conical connection of 8 degrees, 10 Dentium with conical connection of 11 degrees, 8 Test implants with conical connection of 16 degrees) were used. Microleakage of Escherichia coli was assessed at intervals of 5, 24, 48 hours and 2 weeks. Microgap was measured at 4 random points by scanning electron microscope. Data were analysed by Spss version 22 and kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Chisquare, Kaplan-Meier tests. (alpha=0.5) Mean microgap was 4.8 mu m (+/- 2.2) in Zimmer group, 3.1 mu m (+/- 1.4) in Implantium group and 16.9 mu m (+/- 8.7) in test group. After 2 weeks from start of the study, 20 percent of Zimmer and Dentium implants and 25 percent of test implant showed microleakage. Microleakage between Zimmer and Dentium implants was not significant; however, there was a significant difference between test implant and other groups. Microbial leakage was observed in all three implant systems. Although; there were differences in microgap between three groups, Microbial leakage was not statistically significant.