Background: Microbiota associated with periodontal diseases were also associated with periimplant diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical status and composition of subgingival microbiota of implants and natural teeth in a group of partially edentulous patients with history of periodontal disease.
Methods: 38 partially edentulous patients with history of periodontal disease, treated with dental implants, were selected for this study. Patients selected for the study were in good health condition and did not take any antibiotics in the last six months. One year after second stage surgery a total of 72 implants and 38 teeth underwent clinical and microbiological examination. Clinical parameters were PD, PAL, PI and GI. Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed by dark-field microscopy and cultural analysis.
Results: Clinical parameters didn't show any significant differences between periodontal and periimplant tissues. Dark-field microscopic examination showed higher prevalence of rods and spirochetes around implants than around teeth. There were no differences detected by cultural examination in the subgingival microbiota at peri-implant and periodontal sites.
Conclusions: Findings from this study showed no differences between implants and teeth in partially edentulous patients with history of periodontal disease one year after second stage surgery. Implants were colonized by microbiota similar to that observed around teeth and were well-maintained in patients with a history of periodontitis.