Analysis of the periimplant tissue of craniofacial implants by sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR)

Statement of problem The tissue surrounding craniofacial implants is prone to inflammation; however, no adequate instrument is currently available to measure this objectively. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the parameters influencing the sulcus fluid flow rate in the extraoral periimplant tissue environment. Material and methods Thirty-four patients with 112 craniofacial implants participated. The sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR) was measured with standardized paper strips. The influence of cleansing liquids, implant location, presence of purulent exudates, smoking habits, depth of crevice, and previous irradiation on the sulcus fluid flow rate were evaluated with covariate adjusted finite mixture models. Results Two latent subgroups of SFFR were identified based on a mixed model. The majority (95.5%) had a mean value of 1.44 mm, and the smaller subgroup (4.5%) had a mean value of 10.4 mm. The SFFR values were increased when purulent exudates were present (regression coefficient 1.41), 95% CI (0.67, 2.16). The depth of the crevice influenced the SFFR per unit depth (regression coefficient 0.37), 95% CI (0.22, 0.53). Additional covariates, such as the implant location, history of smoking, and prior irradiation, had no statistical effect on SFFR. Conclusions SFFR can be measured objectively in the extraoral periimplant tissue.