Plaque Assessment

Microbial films have been known to form on inert biomaterial surfaces in an aqueous environment. Implants placed in the oral cavity are no exception and represent artificial surfaces colonized by bacteria from the saliva and ecologic niches such as periodontal pockets, tonsils and crypts of the tongue. The fact that the development of this film is a causative factor for periimplant disease has been proved by many studies. Furthermore, periodontal pathogens from the residual pockets of the remaining teeth in patients treated for periodontal disease have been known to colonize oral implants.

Biofilm formation around implants can be assessed by the presence of disclosable plaque or accumulation of material alba.  Indices modified from the Plaque Index have been introduced in literature to measure and objectively record the status.