Study Shows Dental Implant Surfaces Are Vital to Protect Implants From Bacteria

A recent study has looked into how certain oral proteins affect the overall life expectancy of dental implants. Dental implants are a popular oral treatment, but they don’t provide permanent results. The researchers therefore attempted to find ways of prolonging the life of implants through analysing a process named “biofouling”.

Dental implants are a very common treatment in dentistry. Implants can be an effective solution for missing or heavily-decayed teeth.

However, dental implants aren’t permanent measures. In addition, dental implants usually need to be replaced after a few years. Because of this, scientists have sought to find ways to prolong the life of implants.

A recent study has analysed the process of “biofouling” and the effect it has on dental implants. The research involved studying oral proteins and the effect that different chemical modifications have on the implant surface.

Background

Dental implants are typically used to replace a lost or missing tooth, they are normally needed because of advanced gum disease or extensive tooth decay.

Implants are designed to be long-lasting. Studies have found that there is a 90-95% success rate over 10 years for dental implants [1]. Many implants do not last longer than 10 years.

Because of this, researchers have been searching for ways of improving the longevity of dental implants. Therefore, scientists sought to study how dental implants are affected by mouth processes. For instance, this included biofouling.

The Process of Implant Insertion

When dental implants are inserted, they are immediately coated by saliva and blood plasma. The implants absorb a thin layer of oral proteins from the plasma, leading to gum tissue attaching.

However, this process allows bacteria to grow on the surface of the implant. Consequently, this can lead to the gum tissue becoming irritated. As a result, inflammation and eventual removal will often follow.

The Research

Research published in the Journal of Dental Research aimed to increase scientists’ understanding of a complex biological process named “biofouling” [2]. The University at Buffalo and the University of Regensburg carried out the research.

Biofouling refers to how the surface of implants effect the adsorption of oral proteins and unwanted microorganisms. Biofouling is a process that causes negative effects on oral health [3]. The level of adsorption is dependent on environmental conditions, protein properties and the material surface [4].

Attacking bacteria encounters protein layers first. Therefore, how implant surfaces are affected by oral proteins is an important subject.

The research involved using specially-designed silica beads. In addition, these beads had a range of different chemically modified surfaces [2]. By comparing different surfaces, researchers were therefore able to see how each one reacted.

The results showed that the adsorption of proteins from blood plasma is influenced by the amount of protein adsorbed. However, the adsorption of proteins from saliva is impacted by the biomaterial’s surface [2].

Stefan Ruhl, who is a Professor of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine, spoke about the study [5].

Ruhl said that oral proteins “help determine the biological or pathological consequences that result in either long-term survival of the implant or its failure along with irreversible damage to the surrounding tissues from infection” [5]. Ruhl’s comments emphasize the importance of this subject area.

What does this study show us?

The findings from this study should result in an improvement in the success of dental implants. As a result, the researchers will hope their findings can be put into practice.

The researchers have planned a follow-up study. This is because they hope to involve more chemically-modified silica surfaces. This is part of an ongoing aim to improve the design of implant surface coatings.

However, it is important to mention that there are other factors that affect dental implants. Moreover, oral hygiene, diet, bone structure and lifestyle factors all have an impact on the length of time implants last [6].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.

Dental problems should be addressed early and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe. So, when further treatment is needed after a check-up, we give our patients a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

• [1] Raikar, S., Talukdar, P., Kumari, S., Kumar Panda, S., Oommen, V. M., & Prasad, A. (2017). Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. 7(6), p351-355.
• [2] Lehnfeld, J., Dukashin, Y., Mark, J., White, G. D., Wu, S., Katzur, V., Muller, R., & Ruhl, S. (2021). Saliva and Serum Protein Adsorption on Chemically Modified Silica Surfaces. Journal of Dental Research. 100(10): p1047-1054.
• [3] Norde, W. (2008). My voyage of discovery to proteins in flatland… and beyond. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 61(1): p1–9.
• [4] Michiardi, A., Aparicio, C., Ratner, B. D., Planell, J. A., Gil, J. (2007). The influence of surface energy on competitive protein adsorption on oxidized niti surfaces. Biomaterials. 28(4): p586–594.
• [5] University at Buffalo. (2021). Study: Dental implant surfaces play major role in tissue attachment, warding off unwanted bacteria. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-dental-implant-surfaces-major-role.html. Last accessed: 2nd October 2021.
• [6] Gherde, C., Dhatrak, P., Nimbalkar, S., & Joshi, S. (2021). A comprehensive review of factors affecting fatigue life of dental implants. Materials Today: Proceedings. 43(2): p1117-1123.