Assessing peri-implant bacterial community structure the effect of microbiome sample collection method

The oral cavity is an exceptionally complex habitat that harbors a large number of microorganisms. Oral microbiota comprises polymicrobial communities shaped by mutualistic coevolution with the host, contributing to homeostasis and regulating immune function. Nevertheless, dysbiosis of oral bacterial communities is associated with a number of clinical symptoms that ranges from infections to oral cancer. Peri-implant diseases are biofilm-associated inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. Therefore, the detection of early symptoms of infection are essential to prevent disease progression and implant failure. Since oral microbiota is also strongly associated with peri-implant health status, the study of oral bacterial communities may be a promising approach for monitoring peri-implant health.