Aim: The primary outcome of the current study is to compare oral microbiotic colonization count on Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) framework versus Cobalt Chromium (CoCr) framework in full arch fixed hybrid prostheses. The secondary outcome was to evaluate patient's satisfaction based on a questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: This clinical study was carried out on fourteen patients exhibiting edentulous mandible who were rehabilitated with implant supported fixed hybrid prostheses. Five delayed loaded implants were inserted. Group I: frameworks were fabricated using CoCr alloy. Group II: frameworks were fabricated using PEKK. Implant supported fixed hybrid prostheses were screwed to the implants in the mandible. Sterile swabs were used to collect the samples from the fitting surface of the prosthesis at the junction between the implant and the framework. The samples were then cultivated. The microbiotic count (CFU) on PEKK frameworks versus CoCr frameworks was evaluated to identify any changes in bacterial and fungal colonization. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire to determine the efficacy of treatment based on the patient's subjective point of view on delivery and after 2 months.
Results: This study showed a statistically significant increase in colonization (CFU) of Streptococcus and Neisseria at 2 and 4 weeks, and Candida at week 4 on PEKK frameworks versus CoCr frameworks. There was no difference in the patient satisfaction in all aspects except for bad smell and change in taste which was in favor of the CoCr group.