RESUMO
Prosthetic biomaterials can affect the composition of the subgingival microbiota and consequently the production of proinflammatory cytokines, causing damage to the periodontium. A total of 40 patients were divided into two groups: 20 with monolithic zirconia (MZ) prostheses and 20 with porcelain fused to metal (PFM) with nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy prostheses. Subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken. The Checkerboard technique for DNA-DNA hybridization and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique were performed. Teeth with MZ presented a lower percentage of bleeding on probing and tooth mobility compared to teeth with PFM with Ni-Cr alloy. Prosthodontic teeth harbored higher total levels of the 18 bacterial species than non-prosthodontic teeth. There was a higher prevalence of S. gordonii and V. parvula species in PFM with Ni-Cr alloy compared to MZ. There was an increase in IL-1ß, TNF-α and CX3CL1 levels in PFM with Ni-Cr alloy compared to MZ. MZ is a candidate biomaterial with fewer negative effects on the periodontium, allowing for longer prostheses longevity in the mouth.