Improvement of Epidermal Adhesion by Surface Modification of Craniofacial Abutments

Craniofacial implants may present peri-implant inflammation because there is no close adhesion of the epithelium to abutments and because of bacteria infiltrating the subcutaneous tissue through the gap. Therefore an attempt was made to improve adhesion of epithelium to abutments. In an in vitro model, adhesion of epithelial cells (HaCat cells) to nonmodified and 3 modified Brånemark System abutment surfaces was quantified. It was found that more cells were adherent in sequence at silicone-coated surfaces, sandblasted surfaces, and collagen-coated (Types I and IV) surfaces than on nonmodified abutments. It was concluded that it is possible to improve epidermal adhesion to abutments through modification of abutment surfaces. Keywords: abutments, adhesion, craniofacial implants, HaCat cells