Histopathological evaluation of gingival tissue overlying two-stage implants after placement of cover screws

Abstract

Corrosion of implant components, including that of cover screws, has been reported as a possible etiological factor for implant failure. This study evaluated the presence of metallic particles in the soft tissues overlying two-stage implants after placing cover screws, by using a histological technique and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed large and small titanium particles in different layers of the soft tissue overlying the implant and cover screws in the majority of samples, with more particles near the cover screws. These particles might have contributed to the various degrees of inflammatory reactions detected in the different layers of the overlying soft tissues. Further studies on the corrosion of implants' metallic components are recommended, so that the implant failure rates could be minimized.