Background: The long-term success of implant therapy depends not only on proper osseointegration, but also on the healing of the epithelium and the quality of the biological seal on the abutment and on the implant neck. This study aims to evaluate the possible use of dentinal adhesives on the surface of the transmucosal path of dental implants in order to create a hermetic seal between keratinized epithelium and abutment.
Methods: Four sections of 12 µm thickness were obtained from a sample of the oral mucosa. Scotchbond TM Universal Adhesive (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) was carefully applied both to the samples and to the transmucosal path of titanium abutment (Win-Six, BioSAFin, Italy). The adhesives were polymerized. FT-IR analysis was performed on: 1) polymerized Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany); 2) the interface between the titanium abutment and the adhesive; 3) the interface between the adhesive and the mucosa; 4) the mucosa samples.
Results: Comparing the spectra, it emerged that the adhesive has established chemical bonds both on titanium and on the keratinized mucosa, involving different types of chemical interactions.
Conclusions: The results of this in-vitro study are encouraging. In the future biocompatibility and comparative study with other adhesives will be required.