Microbiological Aspect in Dental Implants and Natural Teeth with the Impact of Aloe vera Gel

Abstract

The health of peri-implant tissues is one of the most important aspects for the long-term success of dental implants. Thus the control of bacterial plaque which is the main etiological factor in peri-implant diseases by using an effective preventive regimen and a therapeutic agent is of vital importance in prevention of any irreversible pathological conditions of peri‑implant tissues. The purposeof this study wasto investigate and compare microbiological aspect of subgingival plaque at implants and contralateral natural teeth in the same patients with the impact of Aloe vera gel. 20 females aged 25- 45 year who exhibited the presence of one clinically stable implant carrying a full ceramic crown and one contralateral natural tooth were selected to be enrolled in a split-mouth study. All participants were apparently healthy with no history of any systematic diseases and they have been treated with a two-piece implant system which should be in function for at least 6 months. Samples of subgingival plaque were collected from implants and contralateral teeth for microbial analyses (Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and Candida species) at base line and 2 weeks after the application of Aloe vera gel. Microbial analyses revealed no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) in the counts of microorganisms between implants and teeth, although they were lower in implant than that in teeth. Finding also revealed a significant reduction (p< 0.01) in the count of Gram-positive bacteria and Candida speciesafter application of Aloe vera for both implants and teeth. On the other hand, the count of Gram-negative bacteria seems not to be affected by Aloe vera gel. No differences were found in microbiological analysis of subgingival plaque from dental implants and teeth in the same patient. Moreover, Aloe vera is a promising herb with antimicrobial activity that could be used as a beneficial agent in treatment and prevention of peri-implant diseases.