Original article / research
Comparative Analysis of SLA and SLActive Implant Surfaces on Peri-implant Clinical, Radiographic, and MMP-8 Parameters after One Year of Functional Loading: A Cross-sectional Study
ZC23-ZC26
Correspondence
Dr. Arvina Rajasekar,
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, Saveetha Dental College
and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS),
Saveetha University, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: arvinar.sdc@saveetha.com
Introduction: The longevity of dental implants depends on stable osseointegration and controlled host response. Surface modifications such as Sandblasted, Large-grit, Acid-etched (SLA), and chemically modified SLActive implants aim to enhance osseointegration; however, their long-term influence on peri-implant health remains unclear. This study compared clinical and biochemical parameters of SLA and SLActive implants after a minimum of one year of functional loading.
Aim: To comparatively evaluate peri-implant clinical parameters, radiographic Crestal Bone Levels (CBL), and Peri-Implant Crevicular Fluid (PICF), Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations in SLA and SLActive implant surfaces after a minimum of one year of functional loading.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from December 2024 to December 2025. A total of 70 systemically healthy patients aged 30-60 years with single-tooth implants placed in healed mandibular posterior sites and functionally loaded for at least 12 months were included. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1-SLA (n=35) and Group 2-SLActive (n=35). Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Index (GI), were recorded. Peri-Implant Probing Depth (PPD), CBL, and PICF, MMP-8 concentrations were assessed. PICF samples were collected using microcapillary pipettes and analysed via ELISA. Continuous variables were compared using Independent t-tests, and categorical variables (gender) were analysed using the Chi-square test; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, PI, and GI, were comparable between groups (p>0.05). The mean PPD was 4.50±0.45 mm in SLA and 4.48±0.50 mm in SLActive implants (p=0.86). CBL values were 0.84±0.18 mm and 0.82±0.20 mm, respectively (p=0.66). MMP-8 concentrations showed no significant difference (3.21±0.40 ng/mL for SLA vs. 3.18±0.38 ng/mL for SLActive; p=0.75).
Conclusion: SLA and SLActive implants demonstrated comparable peri-implant clinical, radiographic, and biochemical parameters after one year of functional loading, suggesting similar tissue response under clinically stable peri-implant conditions.