Alpha tumor necrosis - as predictive factor in dental implant management

Abstract

Introduction. The studies regarding the involvement of TNF-alpha together with other pro-inflammatory cytokines in the occurrence and progression of peri-implantitis is of particular importance in the perspective of making an early diagnosis regarding this possible complication after dental implant insertion. Material and methods. The study group included 54 patients who were evaluated clinically and paraclinically seven days after the insertion of dental implants and divided into three groups: with a favorable evolution, mucositis and peri-implantitis. After the clinical examination, samples of peri-implant fluid were collected to determine the values of TNF-alpha. Results. There is a direct proportional relationship between TNF-alpha values and clinically parameters; also, there are difference with high statistical significance between TNF-alpha values identified in the three groups of patients. Conclusions. The is a strong relationship between the levels of TNF-alpha and clinically parameters in patients with favorable evolution, mucositis and peri-implantitis. Understanding the role of proinflammatory citokines as TNF-alpha in the etiopathogenesis of peri-implantitis is essential in developing strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disese.