Morphological characteristics of cellular elements in imprints of the dental implant-gum contact area

Abstract

Imprints/cytograms of the dental implants-gum contact area were used for this study. Aims: To analyze morphological characteristics of cellular elements in imprints/cytograms obtained from the area of dental implants-gum contact and to evaluate the efficacy of using cell morphological characteristics of these imprints as a basis for a conclusion about the overall tissue condition in the peri-implant zone. Methods. Cytopathological changes, including dystrophic changes and signs of cells death, such as autophagy and apoptosis, were studied. Also, the study focused on leukocytes-platelet aggregation and other manifestations of cytopathology. A 4-score scale was used for assessment of the severity of cytopathological changes, including the number of cellular elements with signs of cell death (autophagy and apoptosis), intensity of microbial colonization in cells, and leukocyte-platelet aggregates. Results. Morphological elements of the cell composition in the implant-gingival sulcus were analyzed. The cytopathology score was higher for patients with clinical manifestations of inflammation in tissues around the implants. Conclusion. The study showed a high incidence of signs of autophagy cell death in the cytograms, which was closely correlated with local and systemic pathogenic factors.