Comparison of clinical and microbiological status of osseointegrated dental implant with natural tooth

Aims: This study is aimed at investigation of microflora around healthy implants and comparison of the clinical and microbiological status of osseointegrated dental implant with that of a natural tooth. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with healthy osseointegrated dental implants were further subdivided into two groups according to sites evaluated for clinical and microbiological parameters, Group A-Subgingival site corresponding to periimplant mucosa. Group B – subgingival site corresponding to natural tooth distal to implant. Oral prophylaxis was carried out for all the subjects at baseline, and they were recalled after 3 months for the assessment of clinical parameters such as probing depth, sulcus bleeding index, and plaque index. Subgingival plaque samples were taken on the same day and subjected to microbiological analysis by polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was done using Mann–Whitney test and Fisher's exact test. Results: There existed a definite correlation between clinical parameters such as sulcular bleeding index, plaque index, and periodontal pockets and the presence of these microorganisms, i.e., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans between the two groups. Conclusions: Although the ecological environment around dental implant may differ, the microbial findings of implants are similar to that of the natural tooth.