Diferencias histológicas en la adhesión del tejido conectivo alrededor de pilares sobre implantes tratados con láser y pilares convencionales

Resumo

ABSTRACT Introduction Achievement of implant stability and maintenance of crestal bone levels are prerequisites for a successful long-term function of dental implants. One of the surfaces which have been developed with that goal is the microtexturizing of the implant neck through laser application. Several studies have shown the adhesion of the connective tissue on the laser treated surfaces on the cervical region of osseointegrated implants, with the achievement of a biological seal at that level. Other studies suggest that this sealing or adhesion through collagen fibers could be benefitial on the final prosthetic abutment which is connected to the implant. This way it would be possible to achieve a sealing around the cervical region of the abutment, avoiding bacterial migration at that level and, therefore, peri-implant bone loss. Objective The goal of the current study is to compare the difference in connective tissue adherence to laser microtextured versus machined titanium abutments. Material and methods Six patients and twelve dental implants were enrolled in the study, six of them fixed to laser treated abutment and the other six fixed to a machined abutment. Ninety days after the first intervention, second surgery was carried out. The abutment was unscrewed, removing a complex formed by the abutment and the surrounding 1 mm of gingival attachment for its histological assessment. Results In the images of optical microscopy we observed intimate adherence between connective tissue and the laser treated abutments, while on machined abutments no adherence was detected. The mean percentage of TAC (Tissue Abutment Contact) on laser treated abutment was 98.8%, and 24.1% on the machined abutment. Discussion All participants in the study had optimal healing and a treated laser abutment was placed the usual prosthetic protocol. We achieved the study objectives with both histological assessment and quantitative analysis methods. Futures lines of research are proposed as the follow-up of the partcipants in the study for medium or long term. Conclusion Connective tissues show enhanced adherence to microtextured abutments compared to machined abutments.