Analysis of bacterial biofilm formed on intraradicular posts attached to an intraoral device

ABSTRACT Objetive This study aimed to evaluate, in situ, the microbiological composition of the biofilm formed on intraradicular posts attached to removable intraoral devices. Methods For this, ten participants wore an upper intraoral device containing three types of intraradicular posts nickel-chromium metal, fiberglass, and acrylic resin-over twenty-eight days. The posts were fixed to the device palatally and with the long axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the acrylic. Throughout the experimental period, all participants were instructed to follow the same oral hygiene and device care pattern. After this period of use, a portion of the post-samples was evaluated to quantify the number of microorganisms using the culture method. The other portion of the posts was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy to assess microbial colonization. The data obtained were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet and subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn statistical analyses. Results No statistically significant difference was observed between the posts and the different media. All posts showed contamination in all media. Microbial colonies were identified through Scanning Electron Microscopy on all three intraradicular posts analyzed. Conclusion Posts exposed in the oral cavity for twenty-eight days demonstrate a high microbial load regardless of their composition.