Salivary protein adsorption on titanium abutments: a comparative study of edentulous and partially edentulous patients

Background Salivary proteins rapidly adsorb onto titanium implant surfaces after placement, forming a pellicle that influences biofilm formation and peri-implant tissue responses. Differences in oral conditions between edentulous and partially edentulous patients may affect this protein adsorption and, consequently, peri-implant health. Methods Sixteen adult patients (mean age: 51 years) who had implant therapy were categorized into edentulous and partially edentulous groups. One healing abutment per patient was randomly selected after intraoral exposure. Clinical parameters, including plaque index, were recorded. Adsorbed salivary proteins were identified using biochemical analysis and electrophoresis. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, while associations between categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results Alpha-amylase, albumin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were consistently detected on titanium surfaces in both groups. No statistically significant difference was observed in the salivary protein profiles between edentulous and partially edentulous patients. However, plaque index demonstrated a statistically significant association with patient group ( p < 0.05). The null hypothesis was therefore accepted, indicating no statistically significant intergroup difference in protein adsorption. Conclusion The salivary pellicle formed on titanium implant components showed a similar protein composition in edentulous and partially edentulous patients. The significant association between plaque accumulation and patient group suggests that local oral hygiene conditions, rather than dentition status alone, may play a greater role in modulating the peri-implant biochemical environment, with potential implications for peri-implant inflammation and long-term implant success.