Early Microbiological and Immunological Parameters in Sandblasted, Large-Grit Acid-Etched Implant Surfaces: A Split Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: To compare microbiological and immunological parameters of two sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched implant surfaces during the first 8 weeks of healing following implant placement.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A dual-center, split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients receiving one test (modified hydrophilic surface) and one control (conventional surface) implant in different quadrants. Peri-implant crevicular fluid samples were collected at implant placement and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks to assess biomarkers of inflammation (Interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, IL-2), biomarkers of anti-inflammation (IL-4, IL-10), and biomarkers of bone metabolism (osteocalcin, osteopontin [OPN], and vascular endothelial growth factor-α [VEGF-α]). Additionally, submucosal samples were obtained at implant placement and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks and analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S rRNA sequencing. Biomarkers and qPCR data were analyzed with a general linear model using log10-transformed values. Microbiome data were analyzed via Wilcoxon tests and PERMANOVA.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included in the 8-week analysis. VEGF-α levels were significantly higher at 1 week for the conventional surface (p = 0.018). OPN and IL-10 significantly increased from baseline to 4 weeks in both groups. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium species were the most prevalent bacteria; however, no significant differences were found between the surfaces in bacterial load analysis by qPCR. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between groups for microbiome diversity.

CONCLUSION

No differences were detected between the conventional and the modified hydrophilic surfaces in the immunological and microbiological parameters assessed during early implant healing.