Assessment of PH Around Healthy and Questionable Titanium Dental Implants
Abstract
Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis is currently diagnosed using probing depths, bleeding on probing and radiographic bone loss. The subjectivity of these parameters can make accurate diagnosis challenging. Prognosis of implant related diseases is even more difficult. The use of another physiological factor, such as pH of peri-implant crevicular fluid, could aid in identification of ailing implants. The purpose of this study was to determine a correlation between pH and implant health. Crevicular fluid surrounding healthy and ailing implants was compared to the fluid surrounding healthy, natural teeth. The implants were identified as healthy or ailing based on observations such as probing depths, bleeding on probing, inflammation, infection, and radiographic bone loss. Gingival fluid collection strips (Periopaper Pro Flow (trademark)) were placed within the sulcus surrounding the implant and the contralateral natural tooth (control). These strips were left in place until fluid saturation. Fluid was extracted from the strips in a 1.8 mL micro-tube following centrifugation for 2 cycles of 10 minutes (4 deg C and 15,000 RPMs). Samples were stored in a -80 deg C freezer until testing. pH of the fluid was measured using a micro-pH probe. The mean pH of the samples of implants and natural teeth were compared among subjects. Fifteen human subjects were enrolled with two ailing and thirteen healthy implants. The mean pH of healthy implants was 6.30 0.62 and the mean pH of contralateral natural teeth (control) was 6.56 1.14. pH of the ailing implant was 3.76 and pH of healthy control tooth from the same subject was 6.21. A tentative positive correlation was observed from pH and status of the dental implant with an ailing implant having a lower pH compared to healthy implants. Within the same subject, the pH was similar to the pH surrounding dental implants. Subjects will continue to be enrolled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1222333
Entities
People
- Alexandra L. Doak
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences