Comparison of enzyme beta glucuronidase and alkaline phosphatase levels in peri implant sulcular fluid around healthy and diseased implants - A clinical pilot study

The aim of this study is to compare the levels of the enzyme beta glucuronidase enzyme and alkaline phosphatase around healthy and diseased implants keeping the levels around healthy teeth as control. Twelve male subjects with implant prosthesis were screened postoperatively and eight was selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selections of healthy and diseased implants were based on visual inspection of the gingiva and clinical records obtained within a period of six months prior to sampling. Plaque and gingival index levels were recorded for the healthy and diseased implants. The sulcular fluid was assayed for the levels of enzyme Beta glucuronidase and alkaline phosphatase. The result of this study clearly indicates that the enzyme beta glucuronidase and alkaline phosphatase levels surrounding the failing implants are increased when compared to successful implants. Plaque scores were similar in both the healthy and diseased. As the plaque scores do not offer much insight in this area, their levels seem to be more or less similar in health and diseased. Gingival index scores were found to be increased in diseased when compared to the healthy. From the results of this study, it can be inferred that the increased beta glucuronidase and alkaline phosphatase levels can be an important biomarker and a good predictor of implant failure. One foreseeable benefit of an oral fluid-based periodontal diagnostic would be identification of highly susceptible individuals prior to overt disease.