Subgingival and supragingival microbial flora around healthy osseointegrated implants in partially edentulous patients

The aim of this study was to determine by selective culturing methods whether implants and natural teeth in the periodontally healthy mouth are colonized by the same oral bacteria. In 16 partially edentulous patients, one or two titanium implants, and respectively, one or two sites from the natural teeth, were examined (total of 58 sites). Periodontal parameters were assessed, and supragingival and subgingival plaque was examined for selective pathogenic bacteria. No significant difference was found between the subgingival flora around the teeth as compared to the implant flora. However, the frequency of occurrence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Actinomyces viscosus in the supragingival plaque was higher for teeth compared to implants (92% vs 57% and 90% vs 73%, respectively). The amount of Aa was significantly higher around teeth than around implants (mean Ln of 6.69 vs 3.25). These data suggest that while the composition of the subgingival flora appears to be similar around healthy teeth and implants, composition of the supragingival plaque may differ.