Abstract
The clinical value of ligature-induced experimental peri-implantitis studies has been questioned due to the artificial nature of the model. Despite repeated claims that ligatures of silk, cotton and other materials may not induce bone resorption by themselves; a recent review showed that the tissue reaction toward them has not been investigated. Hence, the current study aimed to explore the hard and soft tissue reactions toward commonly used ligature materials. A total of 60 dental implants were inserted into the femur (n = 20) and tibia (n = 40) of 10 rabbits. The femoral implants were ligated with sterile 3-0 braided silk in one leg and sterile cotton retraction chord in the other leg. The tibial implants were ligated with silk or left as non-ligated controls. All wounds were closed in layers. After a healing time of 8 weeks, femoral (silk versus cotton) and proximal tibial (silk versus non-ligated control) implants were investigated histologically. Distal tibial (silk versus non-ligated control) implants were investigated with real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The distance from the implant-top to first bone contact point was longer for silk ligated implants compared to non-ligated controls (p = 0.007), but did not vary between cotton and silk. The ligatures triggered an immunological reaction with cell infiltrates in close contact with the ligature materials, adjacent soft tissue encapsulation and bone resorption. qPCR further demonstrated an upregulated immune response toward the silk ligatures compared to non-ligated controls. Silk and cotton ligatures provoke foreign body reactions of soft tissue encapsulation type and bone resorption around implants in the absence of plaque.
Highlights
Dental implant therapy is a well-documented treatment for edentulism with an overall success rate of approximately 95% after 10 years [1]
Even though it is self-limiting in most cases, the marginal bone resorption sometimes progresses to the extent that the osseointegration becomes threatened
In a systematic review on implants with different surface types, Doornewaard et al, reported a 5% overall rate of implants with ≥3 mm of marginal bone loss after at least 5 years of function. They further indicated that smoking and a history of periodontitis yielded more bone loss [2]
Summary
Dental implant therapy is a well-documented treatment for edentulism with an overall success rate of approximately 95% after 10 years [1]. A small degree of marginal bone resorption can often be observed during the first year of implant loading, probably due to tissue adaptation to the foreign material. Even though it is self-limiting in most cases, the marginal bone resorption sometimes progresses to the extent that the osseointegration becomes threatened. In a systematic review on implants with different surface types, Doornewaard et al, reported a 5% overall rate of implants with ≥3 mm of marginal bone loss after at least 5 years of function.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
