Leakage of Microbial Endotoxin through the Implant-Abutment Interface in Oral Implants: An In Vitro Study

Abstract EN

Background.

Endotoxin initiates osteoclastic activity resulting in bone loss.

Endotoxin leakage through implant abutment connections negatively influences peri-implant bone levels.

Objectives.

(i) To determine if endotoxin can traverse different implant-abutment connection (IAC) designs; (ii) to quantify the amount of endotoxins traversing the IAC; (iii) to compare the in vitro comportments of different IACs.

Materials and Methods.

Twenty-seven IACs were inoculated with E.

coli endotoxin.

Six of the twenty-seven IACs were external connections from one system (Southern Implants) and the remaining twenty-one IACs were made up of seven internal IAC types from four different implant companies (Straumann, Ankylos, and Neodent, Southern Implants).

Results.

Of the 27 IACs tested, all 6 external IACs leaked measurable amounts of endotoxin.

Of the remaining 21 internal IACs, 9 IACs did not show measurable leakage whilst the remaining 12 IACs leaked varying amounts.

The mean log endotoxin level was significantly higher for the external compared to internal types (p=0.015).

Conclusion.

Within the parameters of this study, we can conclude that endotoxin leakage is dependent on the design of the IAC.

Straumann Synocta, Straumann Cross-fit, and Ankylos displayed the best performances of all IACs tested with undetectable leakage after 7 days.

Each of these IACs incorporated a morse-like component in their design.

Speculation still exists over the impact of IAC endotoxin leakage on peri-implant tissues in vivo; hence, further investigations are required to further explore this.