Long-standing plaque and gingivitis at implants and teeth in the dog.

The experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of long-standing plaque on the gingiva and peri-implant mucosa. 5 beagle dogs were used in the study. The mandibular right premolars were extracted. 3 months later, 3 titanium fixtures were installed and after another 3 months, abutment connection was performed. Plaque control, in the implant as well as the contralateral tooth regions, was maintained during a 4-month period prior to the start of the main experiment. On Day 0, the teeth and implant sections were examined with respect to plaque and gingivitis. The plaque control program was terminated. The animals were subsequently fed a diet which allowed gross plaque accumulation. After 90 days of undisturbed plaque formation, the dogs were re-examined and biopsies harvested from implants and contralateral teeth. On day 90, all teeth and implants had accumulated large amounts of plaque. The soft tissue at implants and teeth bled on gentle probing. The histological examination of the gingiva and the peri-implant mucosa revealed: (i) both tissues contained an inflammatory cell infiltrate; ICT, (ii) the apical extension of ICT was more pronounced in the peri-implant mucosa than in the gingiva and (iii) the composition of the 2 lesions had many features in common.