Implant–Abutment Interface Gels in Two-Piece Implant Systems: The “Guardian–Hazard” Paradigm—A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Antiseptic gels applied at the implant–abutment interface (IAI) aim to reduce microbial leakage and peri-implant inflammation. However, introducing viscous media into a precision screw joint may affect tribology, preload maintenance, mechanical stability and corrosion-related processes. This scoping review mapped evidence on chlorhexidine (CHX) and other IAI gels, considering their biological, mechanical and electrochemical effects. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR and a Population–Concept–Context framework, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies of two-piece implant systems were eligible if they evaluated CHX or another sealing gel at the IAI and reported microbial, mechanical or electrochemical outcomes. English-language full texts published between 2015 and 2025 were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect and reference screening. Findings were synthesised qualitatively within “Guardian” (biological protection) and “Hazard” (mechanical or electrochemical effects) domains. Results: Of 241 records, 16 met the inclusion criteria. CHX gels reduced intra-implant bacterial counts, although their sealing effect was limited and time-dependent. Silicone-based sealants generally achieved better microbial leakage control and, in several studies, maintained or increased reverse torque values compared with dry controls. Conversely, aqueous or oil-based antiseptic agents frequently reduced reverse torque, suggesting lubrication-related effects on screw-joint stability. No study directly quantified tribocorrosion associated with specific gels. Conclusions: IAI gels may provide biological protection, but their effects depend on formulation and are not exclusively antimicrobial. Silicone-based materials demonstrated the most favourable combined microbial and mechanical performance. Tribocorrosion remains insufficiently investigated, highlighting the need for integrated microbial, mechanical and electrochemical studies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dentistry Journal
Published
2026-10-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14100671
Primary Topic
Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
Type
article
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article

Implant–Abutment Interface Gels in Two-Piece Implant Systems: The “Guardian–Hazard” Paradigm—A Scoping Review

Konstantinos Anastasiadis, Georgios E. Romanos, Maria Kokoti, Athina Bakopoulou
Dentistry Journal
Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
article

Implant–Abutment Interface Gels in Two-Piece Implant Systems: The “Guardian–Hazard” Paradigm—A Scoping Review

Konstantinos Anastasiadis, Georgios E. Romanos, Maria Kokoti, Athina Bakopoulou
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Antiseptic gels applied at the implant–abutment interface (IAI) aim to reduce microbial leakage and peri-implant inflammation. However, introducing viscous media into a precision screw joint may affect tribology, preload maintenance, mechanical stability and corrosion-related processes. This scoping review mapped evidence on chlorhexidine (CHX) and other IAI gels, considering their biological, mechanical and electrochemical effects. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR and a Population–Concept–Context framework, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies of two-piece implant systems were eligible if they evaluated CHX or another sealing gel at the IAI and reported microbial, mechanical or electrochemical outcomes. English-language full texts published between 2015 and 2025 were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect and reference screening. Findings were synthesised qualitatively within “Guardian” (biological protection) and “Hazard” (mechanical or electrochemical effects) domains. Results: Of 241 records, 16 met the inclusion criteria. CHX gels reduced intra-implant bacterial counts, although their sealing effect was limited and time-dependent. Silicone-based sealants generally achieved better microbial leakage control and, in several studies, maintained or increased reverse torque values compared with dry controls. Conversely, aqueous or oil-based antiseptic agents frequently reduced reverse torque, suggesting lubrication-related effects on screw-joint stability. No study directly quantified tribocorrosion associated with specific gels. Conclusions: IAI gels may provide biological protection, but their effects depend on formulation and are not exclusively antimicrobial. Silicone-based materials demonstrated the most favourable combined microbial and mechanical performance. Tribocorrosion remains insufficiently investigated, highlighting the need for integrated microbial, mechanical and electrochemical studies.

Dentistry JournalVol. 14(10)
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR), Stony Brook School (US), Stony Brook University (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
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