A Study of Plaque Adhesion during Implant Treatment of Missing Molars

Abstract

Purpose: In implant treatment, the abutments and superstructures form a transmucosal area. In addition to providing appropriate cleaning instructions to patients, its material properties must be carefully considered. It is not clear how much plaque adhesion occurs at each site during treatment process, and the effect of materials on plaque adhesion. Methods: In this study, 33 patients, 13 maxillary cases and 20 mandibular cases, who had implants placed in the missing molars were evaluated for the plaque adhesion of provisional restorations made of acrylic resin and monolithic zirconia final restoration after a period of more than 4 weeks. In addition, oral hygiene instructions were thoroughly given for 12 cases at the time of staining after the provisional restorations, and re-evaluated in 4 weeks. Results: About 20% of the buccal-lingual area of the prosthetic device fabricated with acrylic resin showed plaque staining, whereas about 40% of the area of the mesial and distal. On the other hand, for the zirconia final restorations, the percentage of staining was about 5% for buccal and lingual surface and 10% for mesial and distal surface. The stained area ratio of the provisional restoration correlated with the zirconia superstructure area ratio. Even with careful oral hygiene, it became clear that the amount of plaque adhesion due to the difference in materials could not be overcome. Conclusion: The zirconia superstructure is extremely good from the viewpoint of plaque adhesion, but cases with a large stained area at the time of provisional restoration should be carefully followed up.