Evaluation of Fluid Biomarkers Around Implants Exhibiting Early Stage Periimplant Bone Loss

After collecting peri-implant sulcus fluid using the paper strip method, calprotectin levels in the peri-implant sulcus region were determined using the ELISA method and recorded in ng/ml.

After collecting peri-implant sulcus fluid using the paper strip method, sclerostin levels in the peri-implant sulcus region were determined using the ELISA method and recorded in pg/ml.

After collecting peri-implant sulcus fluid using the paper strip method, NTx levels in the peri-implant sulcus region were determined using the ELISA method and recorded in ng/ml.

After collecting peri-implant sulcus fluid using the paper strip method, MMP-8 levels in the peri-implant sulcus region were determined using the ELISA method and recorded in ng/ml.

After collecting peri-implant sulcus fluid using the paper strip method, MMP-9 levels in the peri-implant sulcus region were determined using the ELISA method and recorded in ng/ml.

The amount of marginal bone loss was determined by comparing the periapical radiograph taken on the day the implants were placed with the radiograph taken at 3 months. Measurements of digital radiographic images were performed using computer software. Then, study groups were determined according to the presence or absence of peri-implant marginal bone loss.

This assessment was performed based on the bleeding response following gentle probing with a plastic probe in the four regions of each implant (mesial, distal, palatal/lingual, and buccal). The severity of bleeding observed within approximately 10-30 seconds after probing was scored and recorded. The scoring system was graded as follows: 0: no bleeding, 1: bleeding at a single point, 2: bleeding at several points or in a linear pattern, 3: heavy bleeding following probing.

A plastic periodontal probe was used to determine peri-implant pocket depth. Measurements were taken by using the probe, supported by its own weight, parallel to the long axis of the tooth. Pocket depth was measured at 6 sites (mesio-buccal, buccal, disto-buccal, mesio-palatal/lingual, palatal/lingual, disto-palatal/lingual) for each implant included in the study and recorded in millimeters (mm). The pocket depth value for each dental implant was obtained by calculating the average of the 6 measured values.

The mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual/palatal surfaces of each tooth/implant were evaluated separately, and the average of the scores obtained was recorded as the gingival index value for that tooth/implant. Scoring during the evaluation was performed as follows: 0 = normal gingiva, 1 = mild inflammation (color change, mild edema, no bleeding on probing), 2 = moderate inflammation (redness, edema, bleeding on probing), 3 = severe inflammation (marked redness, edema, ulceration, spontaneous bleeding). Subsequently, all values were summed and divided by the total number of teeth and implants to record the gingival index score.

The mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual/palatal surfaces around the teeth/implants were examined, and the average of the scores obtained for each surface was recorded as the plaque index for that tooth/implant. The scoring criteria were as follows: 0 = no plaque, 1 = plaque detectable only with a probe, 2 = soft plaque accumulation visible to the naked eye, 3 = the tooth surface covered with a distinct plaque layer. Subsequently, all values were summed and divided by the total number of teeth and implants to record the modified plaque index score.

The abutment-implant interface was designated as the reference point for determining the extent of peri-implant mucosal recession, and the distance between the reference point and the free gingival margin was measured using a periodontal probe. Mucosal recession was recorded in four regions (mesio-buccal, mid-buccal, disto-buccal, mid-lingual/palatal) for each implant included in the study. The recession value for each implant was obtained by calculating the average of the four measured values.