"In vivo" evaluation of the vascular pattern in oral peri-implant tissues

Introduction: The vascularisation of the peri-implant tissue represents the key factor in obtaining a successful result in implantology, since an adequate vascular supply allows wound healing and the presence of numerous growth factors that promote osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyse ‘‘in vivo’’ the vascular pattern of the peri-implant mucosa in subjects that received implant treatment. Materials and methods: In the study 22 subjects were examined, 11 of whom (test group) received dental implants (Straumann Dental Implant System1) while 11 were in the control group; the analysis was performed in the peri-implant masticatory mucosa. The evaluation of the microcirculation was performed ‘‘in vivo’’ using the optical probe videocapillaroscopy technique equipped with 2000 lenses. The following parameters were recorded: capillary density, vascular areas, microhaemorrhages and angioarchitecture. Results: The values indicating the capillary density were significantly different in the test group compared to the control group, indicating an angiogenic process taking place ‘‘in vivo’’. In the test group the capillary loops were arranged parallel (30%) as well as perpen- dicular to the surface; in contrast, in the control group the gingival margin was always perpendicular to the surface (100%). Conclusions: The peri-implant vascular pattern exhibits special characteristics that differ both in morphology and density from the gingival one.