OGDEN A R*, WATSON C J, MULAY S A and HART P. (Divisions of Restorative Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Leeds Dental Institute, UK)
Previous work by this team reported the isolation of a large number of non-oral organisms from implant abutments which had been present in the mouth for long periods. To investigate the source and development of these organisms we have embarked on a longitudinal study. Transport swabs have been used to sample the flora of the tongue, upper and lower ridges and denture surfaces at each stage of treatment in a group of new implant patients. The internal threads of abutments were also sampled using paper points. Swabs were taken from the laboratory work and the hands and instruments of the technician. Patients used normal oral hygiene procedures, including mouthwashes and completed diet sheets following the surgical stages of treatment. All swabs were cultured aerobically and anaerobically on blood agar. Paper points were cultured initially in brain heart infusion broth and fastidious anaerobe broth prior to subculture on solid media.
This paper reports the changes in oral flora that occur during implant placement and exposure. It discusses the possible roles of laboratory work and diet on the flora developing around implant abutments.