Evaluation of the sealing ability of antibacterial sealing gel versus chlorhexidine varnish at the implant-abutment interface: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Lack of complete wall-to-wall adaptation between implant and abutment of two-piece implants results in microgap at the implant-abutment interface (IAI). Leakage of bacteria and the endotoxins produced by them at the IAI play a major role in inflammatory reactions of surrounding soft tissues, which in turn lead to crestal bone loss. Objectives: The objective of the study is to compare the sealing ability of antibacterial sealing gel and chlorhexidine (CHX) varnish at the IAI by assessing the growth of Escherichia coli on agar plates. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 implants and abutments were selected for the study and divided into three groups. Sealing agents were applied at the IAI of implant groups and a control group without any sealing agent. Abutments were connected to the implants, and bacteria were inoculated. Bacterial percolation was evaluated by culturing the specimen from the internal aspect of implants on agar plates after incubation. Efficacy was evaluated by counting the colonies (colony-forming units) on the agar plates. The results were analyzed by using Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance followed by pairwise comparison using Dunn-Bonferroni test. Results: Mean of colony-forming units for control was calculated to be 178.38 cfu, for antibacterial sealing gel was 4.75 cfu, and for CHX varnish was 18.63 cfu. In the present study, least value of colony-forming units of bacteria was exhibited by IAIs sealed with antibacterial sealing gel, and the maximum value was given by the control group with no sealing agent at IAI. Conclusion: Application of CHX varnish and antibacterial sealing gel can reduce the bacterial leakage through IAI, whereas complete seal was not attained with either of the materials.