In vitrocleaning potential of three different implant debridement methods

In vitro evaluation of surface roughness of titanium abutments after air polishing with different abrasive powders

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of air polishing with sodium bicarbonate and erythritol powders on surface roughness and morphological changes in titanium abutments.

METHODS

A total of 45 grade V titanium discs were divided in three groups: Group A (Control) air polished with air/water; Group B, air polished with sodium bicarbonate powder; and Group C, air polished with erythritol powder. After air polishing, the samples' roughness (Sa) in micrometres were analysed with an optical profilometer. The samples' surface morphology study was conducted via scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Data were described using mean and standard deviation of roughness values (Sa). Inferential analysis was performed using the ANOVA multiple comparison test followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Both tests used a 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

After air polishing, average roughness of group A, B and C were 0.036, 0.046 and 0.037 μm, respectively, with statistically significant differences between groups A and B (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between group A and group C, as well as between group B and C (p > 0.05). As for the morphology analysis, damages to the titanium surface were only observed in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that air polishing with erythritol powder maintains titanium abutment integrity better than sodium bicarbonate, which increased surface roughness and caused damage. Erythritol is preferable for minimizing surface alterations and maintaining morphological stability.

Efficacy and safety of erythritol air-polishing in implant dentistry: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Professional oral hygiene is essential to prevent peri-implant disease. Appropriate instruments should be employed for implant-supported restorations: they should effectively remove deposits without damaging dental implant surface. The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of erythritol air-polishing in implant-supported rehabilitations, compared to alternative hygienic techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The guidelines reported in the indications of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were employed for this systematic review. The focused question was: 'what is the effect of erythritol air-polishing on dental implant surfaces regarding its cleansing efficacy and/or safety?' The final online search was conducted on 13 August 2023; MEDLINE-PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library were employed. Comparative in vitro or in vivo original studies were included.

RESULTS

The initial database search yielded 128 entries; the final selection comprised 15 articles. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS), the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, GRADE method. Ultrasonic scaling with PEEK tips, glycine air-polishing and cold atmospheric plasma were the devices most frequently compared to erythritol powder in the included studies. Erythritol air-polishing appeared to be significantly more effective in reducing biofilm compared to other treatments, without causing any significant damage to the implant surface and peri-implant tissues, promoting a good biological response.

CONCLUSION

Erythritol air-polishing showed promising results for professional oral hygiene in implant-supported restorations. According to this systematic review, it is effective and safe for removing biofilm from titanium dental implants.

In-vitro biofilm removal from TiUnite® implant surface with an air polishing and two different plasma devices

BACKGROUND

We investigated the efficacy of two different cold atmospheric pressure jet plasma devices (CAP09 and CAPmed) and an air polishing device with glycine powder (AP) either applied as monotherapies or combined therapies (AP + CAP09; AP + CAPmed), in microbial biofilm removal from discs with anodised titanium surface.

METHODS

Discs covered with 7-day-old microbial biofilm were treated either with CAP09, CAPmed, AP, AP + CAP09 or AP + CAPmed and compared with negative and positive controls. Biofilm removal was assessed with flourescence and electron microscopy immediately after treatment and after 5 days of reincubation of the treated discs.

RESULTS

Treatment with CAP09 or CAPmed did not lead to an effective biofilm removal, whereas treatment with AP detached the complete biofilm, which however regrew to baseline magnitude after 5 days of reincubation. Both combination therapies (AP + CAP09 and AP + CAPmed) achieved a complete biofilm removal immediately after cleaning. However, biofilm regrew after 5 days on 50% of the discs treated with the combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

AP treatment alone can remove gross biofilm immediately from anodised titanium surfaces. However, it did not impede regrowth after 5 days, because microorganisms were probably hidden in holes and troughs, from which they could regrow, and which were inaccessible to AP. The combination of AP and plasma treatment probably removed or inactivated microorganisms also from these hard to access spots. These results were independent of the choice of plasma device.

The biofilm removal effect and osteogenic potential on the titanium surface by electrolytic cleaning: An in vitro comparison of electrolytic parameters and five techniques

OBJECTIVES

To determine the optimal current and time of electrolytic cleaning (EC), compare its biofilm removal effect with generic treatments and evaluate the influence of EC to surface characteristics and osteogenic potential of SLA titanium (Ti) discs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The six-species biofilm-covered Ti discs were placed as cathodes in physiologic saline and subjected to various current and time treatments. The residual biofilms were evaluated to determine the optimal parameters. The contaminated Ti discs were randomized and treated by rotating Ti brush; ultrasonic-scaling with metal tips; ultrasonic-scaling with PEEK tips; air-polishing and EC. The residual biofilms were compared using a lipopolysaccharide kit (LPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy and colony-forming unit counting. Non-contaminated Ti discs were treated and characterized. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured on treated non-contaminated Ti discs. The adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin level of BMSCs were assessed.

RESULTS

The parameters at 0.6A5min were considered optimal. For LPS and SEM, EC promoted a significantly greater biofilm removal than the other groups. There were no changes in the Ti discs' colour, topography, roughness and chemical elements after EC, and the electrolysis-treated Ti discs obtained a super-hydrophilic surface. EC positively impacted the proliferation and ALP activity of BMSCs, surpassing the efficacy of alternative treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

EC achieves a near-complete eradication of contaminants on the SLA surface, causes no surface damage with improved hydrophilicity, and promotes the early osteogenic response of BMSCs, which makes it a promising treatment for peri-implantitis.

Anatomical three-dimensional model with peri-implant defect for in vitro assessment of dental implant decontamination

OBJECTIVES

Access to the implant surface plays a significant role in effective mechanical biofilm removal in peri-implantitis treatment. Mechanical decontamination may also alter the surface topography of the implant, potentially increasing susceptibility to bacterial recolonization. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate a newly developed, anatomically realistic, and adaptable three-dimensional (3D)printed model with a peri-implant bone defect to evaluate the accessibility and changes of dental implant surfaces after mechanical decontamination treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A split model of an advanced peri-implant bone defect was prepared using 3D printing. The function of the model was tested by mechanical decontamination of the exposed surface of dental implants (Standard Implant Straumann AG) coated with a thin layer of colored occlusion spray. Two different instruments for mechanical decontamination were used. Following decontamination, the implants were removed from the split model and photographed. Image analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to quantify the remaining occlusion spray both in terms of area and total amount, while scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry were used to analyze alteration in the implant surface morphology.

RESULTS

The 3D model allowed easy placement and removal of the dental implants without disturbing the implant surfaces. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of removal of the occlusion spray revealed differences in the mechanism of action and access to the implant surface between tested instruments. The model permitted surface topography analysis following the decontamination procedure.

CONCLUSION

The developed 3D model allowed a realistic simulation of decontamination of implant surfaces with colored occlusion spray in an advanced peri-implant defect. 3D printing allows easy adaptation of the model in terms of the shape and location of the defect. The model presents a valuable tool for in vitro investigation of the accessibility and changes of the implant surface after mechanical and chemical decontamination.

Biofilm Removal from In Vitro Narrow Geometries Using Single and Dual Pulse Er:YAG Laser Photoacoustic Irrigation

The disinfection and removal of biofilm from titanium dental implants remains a great challenge in oral medicine. Here we present results of novel photoacoustic irrigation laser modalities for biofilm removal in model geometries mimicking the peri-implant pocket. The efficacy of single pulse (Er:YAG-SSP) and dual pulse (Er:YAG-AutoSWEEPS) photoacoustic irrigation modalities were determined for Enterococcus faecalis biofilm decontamination from titanium surfaces in narrow cylindrical and square gap geometries. The density of bacteria as well as the number of live bacteria were determined prior and after different photoacoustic treatments. Both SSP and AutoSWEEPS photoacoustic irrigation techniques removed at least 92% of biofilm bacteria during the 10 s photoacoustic treatment. The effectiveness of cleaning was better in the narrow square gap geometry compared to the cylindrical geometry. The dual pulse Er:YAG-AutoSWEEPS photoacoustic irrigation showed better results compared to SSP modality. No chemical adjuvants were needed to boost the effectiveness of the photoacoustic irrigation in the saline solution. The results imply that photoacoustic irrigation is an efficient cleaning method for debridement and decontamination in narrow geometries and should be considered as a new therapeutic option for the treatment of peri-implant diseases.

The efficacy of different implant surface decontamination methods using spectrophotometric analysis: an in vitro study

PURPOSE

Various methods have been proposed to achieve the nearly complete decontamination of the surface of implants affected by peri-implantitis. We investigated the in vitro debridement efficiency of multiple decontamination methods (Gracey curettes [GC], glycine air-polishing [G-Air], erythritol air-polishing [E-Air] and titanium brushes [TiB]) using a novel spectrophotometric ink-model in 3 different bone defect settings (30°, 60°, and 90°).

METHODS

Forty-five dental implants were stained with indelible ink and mounted in resin models, which simulated standardised peri-implantitis defects with different bone defect angulations (30°, 60°, and 90°). After each run of instrumentation, the implants were removed from the resin model, and the ink was dissolved in ethanol (97%). A spectrophotometric analysis was performed to detect colour remnants in order to measure the cumulative uncleaned surface area of the implants. Scanning electron microscopy images were taken to assess micromorphological surface changes.

RESULTS

Generally, the 60° bone defects were the easiest to debride, and the 30° defects were the most difficult (ink absorption peak: 0.26±0.04 for 60° defects; 0.32±0.06 for 30° defects; 0.27±0.04 for 90° defects). The most effective debridement method was TiB, independently of the bone defect type (TiB vs. GC: P<0.0001; TiB vs. G-Air: P=0.0017; TiB vs. GE-Air: P=0.0007). GE-Air appeared to be the least efficient method for biofilm debridement.

CONCLUSIONS

T-brushes seem to be a promising decontamination method compared to the other techniques, whereas G-Air was less aggressive on the implant surface. The use of a spectrophotometric model was shown to be a novel but promising assessment method for in vitro ink studies.

Surface decontamination of explanted peri-implantitis-affected implants

AIM

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of air-polishing (AP) and a combination of AP and alkaline electrolysed water (AEW) in surface decontamination of explanted peri-implantitis-affected implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients with 34 dental implants scheduled for explantation due to severe peri-implantitis were included. Following implant removal, the apical part of each implant was embedded in acrylic blocks. Implants were randomly allocated to surface decontamination using AP with or without AEW. Four implants were left untreated and used as negative controls. Specimens were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Area of residual bacteria was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

SEM analysis revealed that both treatment protocols were effective in biofilm removal and only small proportions of target areas of the implants showed residual bacterial or mineralized deposits. Although differences between the treatment protocols were small, implant thread loci (top/flank/valley), zones of the implant (apical/middle/coronal), implant surface characteristics and gender influenced the results. In addition, EDS analysis showed that zones influenced the atomic% of carbon and calcium and that implant surface characteristics affected the atomic% of titanium.

CONCLUSIONS

AP, with or without AEW, is an effective method in removing biofilm from peri-implantitis-affected implants.

In vitro efficacy of non-surgical and surgical implant surface decontamination methods in three different defect configurations in the presence or absence of a suprastructure

OBJECTIVES

Analysis of the in vitro efficacy of non-surgical and surgical dental implant surface decontamination with or without suprastructure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and sixty implants were dipped in indelible red and distributed to 30°, 60°, or 90° angulated bone defect models. One hundred and twenty implants were used for each bone defect, 40 of which were assigned to a decontamination method (CUR: curette; SOSC: soundscaler; APA: air powder abrasion). Of these, 20 were subjected to a simulated non-surgical (NST) or surgical treatment (ST), with/without mucosa mask, of which 10 were carried out with (S+) or without (S-) suprastructure. Uncleaned implant surface was assessed by both-sided implant surface photography. Surface morphology changes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Cleaning efficacy was significantly better within NST if the suprastructure was removed (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found within ST (p = 0.304). Overall, cleaning efficacy in the order APA > SOSC>CUR decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) for both S+ and S- in NST as well as ST. Separated by NST/ST, S+/S-, defect angulation and decontamination method, only isolated significant differences in cleaning efficacy were present. Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations of remnants with the treatment approach, decontamination method, and defect angle (p < 0.0001). SEM micrographs showed serious surface damage after use of CUR and SOSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Suprastructure removal is an additional option to improve cleaning efficacy of non-surgical implant surface decontamination in this in vitro model.

Nonsurgical cleaning potential of deep-threaded implants and titanium particle release: A novel in vitro tissue model

OBJECTIVES

To measure the efficiency of three cleaning modalities on two implant designs with similar diameters but different thread depths as well as the presence of titanium particles.

METHODS

Sixty dyed implants (30 × 4.8 apically tapered (ATAP) and 30 × 5.0 fully tapered (FTAP)) were fixed in plastic models. The horizontal bone defects were surrounded with porcine soft tissue. Three instrumentation modalities were used to clean for 150 s: Curette (CUR), ultrasonic scaler (US), and air powder waterjet device (APWJ) with erythritol powder. Afterward, implants were photographed and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were taken. Titanium in the soft tissues was quantified in dissolved samples and histologically confirmed.

RESULTS

For ATAP and FTAP implants, the percentage of the cleaned surface was 26.4 ± 3.0 and 17.1 ± 2.4% for CUR, 33.7 ± 3.8% and 28.1 ± 2.3% for US, and 45.5 ± 4.1% and 24.7 ± 3.8% for APWJ, respectively. SEM images showed significant implant surface changes, especially after instrumentation with CUR and US, whereas APWJ had little to no effect. Most titanium residues were found after cleaning ATAP implants with CUR (152.0 ± 75.5), followed by US (89.5 ± 73.8) and APWJ (0.3 ± 0.8). For the FTAP implants, respective values accounted for 129.5 ± 58.6 μg and 67.0 ± 14.4 μg for CUR and US, respectively. No titanium residues were detected on ATAP with APWJ.

CONCLUSION

Based on in vitro data, erythritol-powered APWJ still appears to be the most efficient and gentle cleaning method. All three instruments, however, were found to have unprocessed areas depending on different implant designs, hence, clinical relevance for non-surgical approaches remains challenging and warrants further improvement.

Influence of eight debridement techniques on three different titanium surfaces: A laboratory study

OBJECTIVES

Debridement methods may damage implant surfaces. This in vitro study investigated eight debridement protocols across three implant surfaces to assess both biofilm removal and surface alterations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred sixty commercially pure titanium discs were treated to simulate commercially available titanium implant surfaces-smooth, abraded and abraded and etched. Following inoculation with whole human saliva to create a mixed species biofilm, the surfaces were treated with eight debridement methods currently used for clinical peri-implantitis (n = 10). This included air abrasion using powders of glycine, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate; conventional mechanical methods-piezoelectric scaler, carbon and stainless steel scalers; and a chemical protocol using 40% citric acid. Following treatment, remaining biofilm was analysed using scanning electron microscopy and crystal violet assays. For statistical analysis, ANOVA was applied (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

All debridement techniques resulted in greater than 80% reduction in biofilm compared with baseline, irrespective of the surface type. Glycine powder delivered through an air polishing system eliminated the most biofilm. Mechanical instruments were the least effective at eliminating biofilm across all surfaces and caused the greatest surface alterations. Citric acid was comparable with mechanical debridement instruments in terms of biofilm removal efficacy. Titanium surfaces were least affected by air abrasion protocols and most affected by mechanical methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical protocols for non-surgical debridement should be approached with caution. Glycine powder in an air polisher and 40% citric acid application both gave minimal alterations across all implant surfaces, with glycine the superior method in terms of biofilm removal.

Debridement of contaminated implants using air-polishing coupled with pH-responsive maximin H5-embedded metal-organic frameworks

The primary goal of peri-implantitis treatments remains the decontamination of implant surfaces exposed to polymicrobial biofilms and renders biocompatibility. In this study, we reported a synergistic strategy for the debridement and re-osteogenesis of contaminated titanium by using erythritol air abrasion (AA) coupled with an as-synthesized pH-responsive antimicrobial agent. Here, the anionic antibacterial peptide Maximin H5 C-terminally deaminated isoform (MH5C) was introduced into the Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF-8) via a one-pot synthesis process. The formed MH5C@ZIF-8 nanoparticles (NPs) not only possessed suitable stability, but also guarantee the slow-release effect of MH5C. Antibacterial experiments revealed that MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial abilities toward pathogenic bacteria of peri-implantitis, confirming ZIF-8 NPs as efficient nanoplatforms for delivering antibacterial peptide. To evaluate the comprehensive debridement efficiency, single-species as well as mixed-species biofilms were successively established on commercially used titanium surfaces and decontaminated with different methods: removed only by erythritol air abrasion, treated merely with MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs, or received both managements. The results demonstrated that only erythritol air abrasion accompanied with MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs at high concentrations eliminated almost all retained bacteria and impeded biofilm rehabilitation, while neither erythritol air abrasion nor MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs alone could achieve this. Subsequently, we evaluated the re-osteogenesis on previously contaminated surfaces which were treated with different debridement methods afterwards. We found that cell growth and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the group received both treatments (AA + MH5C@ZIF-8) were higher than those in other groups. Our work emphasized the great potential of the synergistic therapy as a credible alternative for removing microorganisms and rendering re-osseointegration on contaminated implant surfaces, boding well for the comprehensive applications in peri-implantitis treatments.

In-Vitro Biofilm Removal Efficacy Using Water Jet in Combination with Cold Plasma Technology on Dental Titanium Implants

Peri-implantitis-associated inflammation can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Current decontamination measures are ineffective due to the implants' complex geometry and rough surfaces providing niches for microbial biofilms. A modified water jet system (WaterJet) was combined with cold plasma technology (CAP) to achieve superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to cotton gauze treatment. Seven-day-old multi-species-contaminated titanium discs and implants were investigated as model systems. The efficacy of decontamination on implants was determined by rolling the implants over agar and determining colony-forming units supported by scanning electron microscopy image quantification of implant surface features. The inflammatory consequences of mono and combination treatments were investigated with peripheral blood mononuclear cell surface marker expression and chemokine and cytokine release profiles on titanium discs. In addition, titanium discs were assayed using fluorescence microscopy. Cotton gauze was inferior to WaterJet treatment according to all types of analysis. In combination with the antimicrobial effect of CAP, decontamination was improved accordingly. Mono and CAP-combined treatment on titanium surfaces alone did not unleash inflammation. Simultaneously, chemokine and cytokine release was dramatically reduced in samples that had benefited from additional antimicrobial effects through CAP. The combined treatment with WaterJet and CAP potently removed biofilm and disinfected rough titanium implant surfaces. At the same time, non-favorable rendering of the surface structure or its pro-inflammatory potential through CAP was not observed.

Antimicrobial efficiency and cytocompatibility of different decontamination methods on titanium and zirconium surfaces

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of different implant-decontamination methods regarding biofilm modification and potential cytotoxic effects. Therefore, the amount of biofilm reduction, cytocompatibility, and elementary surface alterations were evaluated after decontamination of titanium and zirconium surfaces.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Titanium and zirconium disks were contaminated with a newly developed high-adherence biofilm consisting of six microbial species. Decontaminations were performed using titanium curette, stainless steel ultrasonic scaler (US), glycine (GPAP) and erythritol (EPAP) powder air-polishing, Er:YAG laser, 1% chlorhexidine (CHX), 10% povidone-iodine (PVI), 14% doxycycline (doxy), and 0.95% NaOCl solution. Microbiologic analysis was done using real-time qPCR. For assessment of cytocompatibility, a multiplex assay for the detection of cytotoxicity, viability, and apoptosis on human gingival fibroblasts was performed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to evaluate chemical alterations on implant surfaces.

RESULTS

Compared with untreated control disks, only GPAP, EPAP, US, and Er:YAG laser significantly reduced rRNA counts (activity) on titanium and zirconium (p < .01), whereas NaOCl decreased rRNA count on titanium (p < .01). Genome count (bacterial presence) was significantly reduced by GPAP, EPAP, and US on zirconium only (p < .05). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed relevant re-exposure of implant surface elements after GPAP, EPAP, and US treatment on both materials, however, not after Er:YAG laser application. Cytocompatibility was impaired by CHX, PVI, doxy, and NaOCl. CHX and PVI resulted in the lowest viability and doxy in the highest apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this in vitro study, air-polishing methods and ultrasonic device resulted in effective biofilm inactivation with surface re-exposure and favorable cytocompatibility on titanium and zirconium. Chemical agents, when applied on implant surfaces, may cause potential cytotoxic effects.

In vitro effect of different implant decontamination methods in three intraosseous defect configurations

OBJECTIVES

This in vitro investigation was aimed to evaluate the cleaning ability of four mechanical devices designed for decontaminating implant surfaces.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-six implants were coated with permanent ink and inserted into 3D-printed resin blocks simulating three different intraosseous defect configurations (types Ib, Ic, and Ie). The four tested mechanical decontamination devices (air-polishing with glycine powder, rotating titanium brush, polyetheretherketone [PEEK]-coated ultrasonic tip, and stainless steel ultrasonic tip) were randomly applied onto the 5 mm exposed implant surface. Standardized photographs were taken from a frontal perspective and with a 30° angle coronally and apically to the implant axis. The area with remnant ink on the implant surface was calculated.

RESULTS

Although none of the groups achieved complete ink removal, air-polishing with glycine and titanium brushes demonstrated a higher cleaning ability when compared with ultrasonic devices either with standard or PEEK tips for all three defect configurations. For the three tested models, the best cleaning ability in all groups was shown on implant surfaces without facing an intraosseous wall. Titanium brush was the most effective when the intraosseous walls existed. Cleaning effectiveness diminished in the threads located in the apical third, especially when using air-polishing and ultrasonic devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Titanium brushes and air-polishing devices were more effective in removing artificial biofilm using this in vitro model, although their effectiveness was influenced by the presence of the intrabony component.

Antibacterial Ti-Cu implants: A critical review on mechanisms of action

Titanium (Ti) has been widely used for manufacturing of bone implants because of its mechanical properties, biological compatibility, and favorable corrosion resistance in biological environments. However, Ti implants are prone to infection (peri-implantitis) by bacteria which in extreme cases necessitate painful and costly revision surgeries. An emerging, viable solution for this problem is to use copper (Cu) as an antibacterial agent in the alloying system of Ti. The addition of copper provides excellent antibacterial activities, but the underpinning mechanisms are still obscure. This review sheds light on such mechanisms and reviews how incorporation of Cu can render Ti–Cu implants with antibacterial activity. The review first discusses the fundamentals of interactions between bacteria and implanted surfaces followed by an overview of the most common engineering strategies utilized to endow an implant with antibacterial activity. The underlying mechanisms for antibacterial activity of Ti–Cu implants are then discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to contact killing mechanisms because the misinterpretation of this mechanism is the root of discrepancies in the literature.

Comparison of Different Chemical and Mechanical Modalities for Implant Surface Decontamination: Activity against Biofilm and Influence on Cellular Regrowth—An In Vitro Study

Objectives

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the efficacy of chemical and mechanical methods for decontamination of titanium dental implant surfaces previously infected with polymicrobial biofilms in a model simulating a peri-implant defect. Furthermore, the effect of each decontamination protocol on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells morphology and adhesion to the treated implants was assessed.

Background

Peri-implantitis is a growing issue in dentistry, and evidence about implant surface decontamination procedures is lacking and inconclusive.

Methods

A total of 40 previously biofilm-contaminated implants were placed into a custom-made model simulating a peri-implant defect and randomly assigned to five treatment groups: (C) control (no treatment); (AW) air abrasion without any powder; (ESC) air abrasion with powder of erythritol, amorphous silica, and 0.3% chlorhexidine; (HBX) decontamination with a sulfonic/sulfuric acid solution in gel; and (HBX + ESC) a combination of HBX and ESC. Microbiological analysis was performed on five implants per treatment group, and the residual viable bacterial load measured in log 10 CFU/mL was counted for each bacterial strain and for the total number of colonies. The remaining three implants per group and three noncontaminated (NC) implants were used to assess surface biocompatibility using a scanning electron microscope and a backscattered electron microscope after seeding with MG-63 cells.

Results

A significant decontaminant effect was achieved using HBX or HBX + ESC, while no differences were observed among other groups. The percentage of implant surface covered by adherent MG-63 cells was influenced by the treatment method. Progressive increases in covered surfaces were observed in groups C, AW, ESC, HBX, HBX + ESC, and NC.

Conclusions

A combination of mechanical and chemical decontamination may provide more predictable results than mechanical cleaning alone.

Clinical, Microbiological, and Biochemical Impact of the Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis-A Prospective Case Series

Background: The aim of this study, a prospective case series, was to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and biochemical impact of the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. Methods: Thirty subjects with diagnosis of peri-implantitis were treated following a surgical protocol including access flaps, surface decontamination with ultrasonics and glycine powder air-polishing, and systemic antibiotics. Disease resolution was defined by the composite outcome including presence of probing depths (PD) ≤5 mm, absence of bleeding on probing (BoP)/suppuration, and no additional radiographic bone loss (>1 mm). Regression analysis was used to evaluate the patient-, implant-, and prosthetic-related factors possibly influencing treatment outcomes. Results: Patients were evaluated at 6 months post treatment, demonstrating statistically significant reductions in PD (2.14 ± 1.07 mm) and increase in mucosal recession (1.0 ± 0.77 mm). Plaque, BoP, and suppuration were also reduced by 40.56%, 62.22%, and 7.78%, respectively. Disease resolution was achieved in 56.67% of patients. No significant changes were detected in microbiological parameters except for a significant reduction in proportions of Parvimonas micra. Similarly, the levels of the biomarker interleukin-8 in crevicular fluid were significantly lower at 6 months. Conclusions: The proposed surgical treatment of peri-implantitis demonstrated statistically significant clinical improvements although the impact on microbiological and biochemical parameters was scarce.

Efficiency of biofilm removal by combination of water jet and cold plasma: an in-vitro study

Background

Peri-implantitis therapy is a major problem in implantology. Because of challenging rough implant surface and implant geometry, microorganisms can hide and survive in implant microstructures and impede debridement. We developed a new water jet (WJ) device and a new cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) device to overcome these problems and investigated aspects of efficacy in vitro and safety with the aim to create the prerequisites for a clinical pilot study with these medical devices.

Methods

We compared the efficiency of a single treatment with a WJ or curette and cotton swab (CC) without or with adjunctive use of CAP (WJ + CAP, CC + CAP) to remove biofilm in vitro from rough titanium discs. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by measuring turbidity up to 72 h for bacterial re-growth or spreading of osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) after 5 days with scanning electron microscopy. With respect to application safety, the WJ and CAP instruments were examined according to basic regulations for medical devices.

Results

After 96 h of incubation all WJ and CC treated disks were turbid but 67% of WJ + CAP and 46% CC + CAP treated specimens were still clear. The increase in turbidity after WJ treatment was delayed by about 20 h compared to CC treatment. In combination with CAP the cell coverage significantly increased to 82% (WJ + CAP) or 72% (CC + CAP), compared to single treatment 11% (WJ) or 10% (CC).

Conclusion

The newly developed water jet device effectively removes biofilm from rough titanium surfaces in vitro and, in combination with the new CAP device, biologically acceptable surfaces allow osteoblasts to grow. WJ in combination with CAP leads to cleaner surfaces than the usage of curette and cotton swabs with or without subsequent plasma treatment. Our next step will be a clinical pilot study with these new devices to assess the clinical healing process.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02195-1.

Effects of implant surface mechanical instrumentation methods on peri-implantitis: An in vitro study using a circumferential bone defect model

Background/purpose

Although several mechanical and chemical debridement techniques have been reported for the management of peri-implantitis, there is no consensus on the most effective method at present. This in vitro study aimed to examine the effects of different mechanical instrumentation techniques on the debridement of hard calcified materials, which are present on the implant surface, as well as the effect of the defect morphology.

Materials and methods

From a total of 15 implants, five each were assigned to one of three decontamination groups (Rotary titanium brush [Ti], tricalcium phosphate air powder abrasive treatment [Air], and titanium ultrasonic scaler [US] groups); the exposed hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated portion was divided into three 1-mm sections (coronal, middle, and apical). The residual-HA of each portion was measured using a digital microscope.

Results

The overall percentage of residual HA coating was significantly lower in the US group than in the Ti or Air groups (p < 0.01). The percentage of residual HA in the coronal portion was significantly lower in the Ti and US groups than in the Air group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The percentage of residual HA in the middle portion was significantly lower in the US group than in the Air group (p < 0.01). The percentage of residual HA in the apical portion was significantly lower in the Ti group than in the Air or US groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Ti and US were more effective for shallow defects, whereas US was more effective for deeper defects.

Artificial biofilm removal in a peri-implant mucositis model: Efficacy of air polishing technology as adjunct to ultrasonic debridement alone and impact of the site and the depth of mucosal tunnel-An in vitro study

AIM

The current in vitro model aims to evaluate the adjunctive effect on artificial biofilm removal determined by the use of a glycine-powder air-polishing procedure (GPAP) over the ultrasonic debridement (USD) alone when the removal of artificial biofilm on abutment surface is performed. The procedures were carried out also evaluating the impact of the site (mesial, distal, vestibular, and oral) and three different mucosal tunnel depths (2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single tooth implant replacement was simulated. Three different abutment heights together with a prosthetic contour were investigated (2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm); custom-made gingival masks were created to mimic peri-implant soft tissue. Biofilm was simulated with an indelible ink. The protocol consisted in two intervention stages for each abutment: (a) USD with PEEK tip plus (b) GPAP. At the end of each intervention, abutments were unscrewed, and standardized photographs were taken. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare residual stain percentage between the two intervention stages and among different sites and mucosal tunnels.

RESULTS

A total of 30 abutments were instrumented. A significant reduction of the percentage of residual staining (PRS) after the combination of GPAP + USD over USD alone was demonstrated (16% vs. 32%; p < 0.05). Moreover, the better performance of the GPAP + USD protocol was observed regardless of the different mucosal tunnel heights and the sites analyzed. Intragroup analysis unveils that the smaller PRS was observed for shallow mucosal tunnels (2 mm) and vestibular sites for both protocols.

CONCLUSION

GPAP + USD provided adjunctive effect on artificial biofilm removal in comparison to the USD alone. Furthermore, proximal surfaces and deeper mucosal tunnels (4 and 6 mm) showed a reduced instrumentation efficacy for both protocols.

Comparison of decontamination efficacy of two electrolyte cleaning methods to diode laser, plasma, and air-abrasive devices

OBJECTIVE

To compare the in vitro decontamination efficacy of two electrolytic cleaning methods to diode laser, plasma, and air-abrasive devices.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty sandblasted large-grit acid-etched (SLA) implants were incubated with 2 ml of human saliva and Tryptic Soy Broth solution under continuous shaking for 14 days. Implants were then randomly assigned to one untreated control group (n = 10) and 5 different decontamination modalities: air-abrasive powder (n = 10), diode laser (n = 10), plasma cleaning (n = 10), and two electrolytic test protocols using either potassium iodide (KI) (n = 10) or sodium formate (CHNaO₂) (n = 10) solution. Implants were stained for dead and alive bacteria in two standardized measurement areas, observed at fluorescent microscope, and analyzed for color intensity.

RESULTS

All disinfecting treatment modalities significantly reduced the stained area compared to the untreated control group for both measurement areas (p < 0.001). Among test interventions, electrolytic KI and CHNaO₂ treatments were equally effective, and each one significantly reduced the stained area compared to any other treatment modality (p < 0.001). Efficacy of electrolytic protocols was not affected by the angulation of examined surfaces [surface angulation 0° vs. 60° (staining %): electrolytic cleaning-KI 0.03 ± 0.04 vs. 0.09 ± 0.10; electrolytic cleaning-CHNaO2 0.01 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.08; (p > 0.05)], while air abrasion [surface angulation 0° vs. 60° (staining %): 2.66 ± 0.83 vs. 42.12 ± 3.46 (p < 0.001)] and plasma cleaning [surface angulation 0° vs. 60° (staining %): 33.25 ± 3.01 vs. 39.16 ± 3.15 (p < 0.001)] were.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the present in vitro study, electrolytic decontamination with KI and CHNaO₂ was significantly more effective in reducing bacterial stained surface of rough titanium implants than air-abrasive powder, diode laser, and plasma cleaning, regardless of the accessibility of the contaminated implant location.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Complete bacterial elimination (residual bacteria < 1%) was achieved only for the electrolytic cleaning approaches, irrespectively of the favorable or unfavorable access to implant surface.

Cold atmospheric plasma coupled with air abrasion in liquid medium for the treatment of peri-implantitis model grown with a complex human biofilm: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of implants with peri-implantitis is often unsuccessful due to residual microbial biofilm hindering re-osseointegration. The aim of this study was to treat biofilm-grown titanium (Ti) implants with different modalities involving air abrasion (AA) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to compare the effectiveness in surface decontamination and the alteration/preservation of surface topography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saliva collected from a peri-implantitis patient was used to in vitro develop human biofilm over 35 implants with moderately rough surface. The implants were then mounted onto standardized acrylic blocks simulating peri-implantitis defects and treated with AA (erythritol powder), CAP in a liquid medium, or a combination (COM) of both modalities. The remaining biofilm was measured by crystal violet (CV). Surface features and roughness before and after treatment were assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test.

RESULTS

In the present peri-implantitis model, the human complex biofilm growth was successful as indicated by the statistical significance between the negative and positive controls. All the treatment groups resulted in a remarkable implant surface decontamination, with values very close to the negative control for AA and COM. Indeed, statistically significant differences in the comparison between the positive control vs. all the treatment groups were found. SEM analysis showed no post-treatment alterations on the implant surface in all the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Decontamination with AA delivering erythritol with or without CAP in liquid medium demonstrated compelling efficacy in the removal of biofilm from implants. All the tested treatments did not cause qualitative alterations to the Ti surface features. No specific effects of the CAP were observed, although further studies are necessary to assess its potential as monotherapy with different settings or in combination with other decontamination procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

CAP is a promising option in the treatment of peri-implantitis because it has potential to improve the elimination of bacterial plaque from implant surfaces, in inaccessible pockets or during open-flap debridement, and should stimulate the process of the re-osseointegration of affected dental implants by not altering surface features and roughness.

Professional Mechanical Tooth Cleaning Method for Dental Implant Surface by Agar Particle Blasting

Oral dysfunction due to peri-implantitis and shortened life of implants has become a major concern. Self-care and removal of oral biofilms by professional mechanical tooth cleaning (PMTC) are indispensable for its prevention. However, if the surface roughness of the implant is increased, it may result in the adhesion of biofilm in the oral cavity. Therefore, the PMTC method can serve for long-term implant management. Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) has been used as a cleaning method for implant surfaces; however, there is concern that the implant surface roughness could increase due to particle collision. Therefore, in this study, to establish a blasting cleaning method that does not adversely affect the implant surface, a new blasting cleaning method using agar particles was devised and its practical application examined. When the simulated stains were blasted with white alumina (WA) abrasive grains and CaCO₃ particles, the simulated stains were almost removed, the surface roughness changed to a satin-finished surface—which was thought to be due to fine scratches—and the surface roughness increased. Most of the simulated stains were removed on the surface of the sample blasted with glycine particles and agar particles. Conversely, the gloss of the sample surface was maintained after cleaning, and the increase in surface roughness was slight.

Pre-Clinical Models in Implant Dentistry: Past, Present, Future

Biomedical research seeks to generate experimental results for translation to clinical settings. In order to improve the transition from bench to bedside, researchers must draw justifiable conclusions based on data from an appropriate model. Animal testing, as a prerequisite to human clinical exposure, is performed in a range of species, from laboratory mice to larger animals (such as dogs or non-human primates). Minipigs appear to be the animal of choice for studying bone surgery around intraoral dental implants. Dog models, well-known in the field of dental implant research, tend now to be used for studies conducted under compromised oral conditions (biofilm). Regarding small animal models, research studies mostly use rodents, with interest in rabbit models declining. Mouse models remain a reference for genetic studies. On the other hand, over the last decade, scientific advances and government guidelines have led to the replacement, reduction, and refinement of the use of all animal models in dental implant research. In new development strategies, some in vivo experiments are being progressively replaced by in vitro or biomaterial approaches. In this review, we summarize the key information on the animal models currently available for dental implant research and highlight (i) the pros and cons of each type, (ii) new levels of decisional procedures regarding study objectives, and (iii) the outlook for animal research, discussing possible non-animal options.

Evaluation of Surface Change and Roughness in Implants Lost Due to Peri-Implantitis Using Erbium Laser and Various Methods: An In Vitro Study

The aim of our study was to obtain similar surface properties and elemental composition to virgin implants after debridement of contaminated titanium implant surfaces covered with debris. Erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser, erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, curette, and ultrasonic device were applied to contaminated implant surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken, the elemental profile of the surfaces was evaluated with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and the surface roughness was analyzed with profilometry. Twenty-eight failed implants and two virgin implants as control were included in the study. The groups were designed accordingly; titanium curette group, ultrasonic scaler with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tip, Er: YAG very short pulse laser group (100 μs, 120 mJ/pulse 10 Hz), Er: YAG short-pulse laser group (300 μs, 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz), Er: YAG long-pulse laser group (600 μs, 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG1 laser group (1 W 10 Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG2 laser group (1.5 W, 30 Hz). In each group, four failed implants were debrided for 120 s. When SEM images and EDX findings and profilometry results were evaluated together, Er: YAG long pulse and ultrasonic groups were found to be the most effective for debridement. Furthermore, the two interventions have shown the closest topography of the sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched implant surface (SLA) as seen on virgin implants.

Adjuvant Effect of Titanium Brushes in Peri-Implant Surgical Treatment: A Systematic Review

Background: the prognosis of peri-implant surgery can be affected by poor decontamination of the implant surface, which could be improved with the use of titanium brushes. The objectives of this systematic review were to evaluate the effectiveness of titanium brushes in the decontamination of the implant surface in terms of plaque index, probing depth, bleeding on probing and bone loss/gain; as well as its effectiveness according to the type of peri-implant bone defect. Methods: an electronic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase databases, as well as a manual search. The search strategy included four keywords: “Peri-implantitis”, “Periimplantitis”, “Implant Surface Decontamination” and “Titanium Brush”. Randomized controlled studies published in the last 10 years were included and systematic reviews, in vitro studies and animal studies were excluded. Results: 142 references were found, from which only four articles met the inclusion criteria. All of the studies included in the present review reported beneficial results in terms of probing depth, gingival index and radiographic bone loss and gain after implant surface decontamination adjuvated by titanium brushes. Conclusions: titanium rotary brushes show improvements in the evolution and prognosis of peri-implant surgery, although more long-term studies are needed to draw more solid conclusions.

Bacterial reduction effect of four different dental lasers on titanium surfaces in vitro

Compare the effectiveness of selected dental lasers for decontamination of machined titanium surfaces in vitro. Seventy-two sterile machined surface titanium discs were individually inoculated with strains of Streptococcus mutans (Sm), Streptococcus oralis (So), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), or all three bacteria together (MIX) at 34.0^° C, 20.8% O₂ and 5% CO₂ for 12 h. After incubation, the discs were divided into six groups: 1) no treatment, 2) 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), and 3) 10,600 CO₂, 4) 810 nm diode, 5) 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG, 6) 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser groups. After treatment, any remaining viable bacteria were liberated from the discs via sonication, transferred onto brain heart infusion (BHI) agar plates for culturing, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. There were statistically significantly differences (SSD) (p < 0.01) in bacterial reduction of discs individually inoculated with Aa between the Er,Cr:YSGG and Nd:YAG lasers. There was also a SSD (p < 0.01) lower effect with the MIX with the Er,Cr:YSGG compared with all other modalities. Bacterial reduction with the CO₂ was better (p < 0.001) than treatment with CHX or the Er,Cr:YSGG laser on killing of So. Although all modalities of treatment showed a mean of 98% or greater viable bacterial reduction, the most consistent bacterial reduction of all titanium discs was with the Nd:YAG laser (100%).

A Mini Review on Non-augmentative Surgical Therapy of Peri-Implantitis—What Is Known and What Are the Future Challenges?

Non-augmentative surgical therapy of peri-implantitis is indicated for cases with primarily horizontal bone loss or wide defects with limited potential for bone regeneration and/or re-osseointegration. This treatment approach includes a variety of different techniques (e.g., open flap debridement, resection of peri-implant mucosa, apically positioned flaps, bone re-contouring, implantoplasty, etc.) and various relevant aspects should be considered during treatment planning. The present mini review provides an overview on what is known for the following components of non-augmentative surgical treatment of peri-implantitis and on potential future research challenges: (1) decontamination of the implant surface, (2) need of implantoplasty, (3) prescription of antibiotics, and (4) extent of resective measures.

Photoacoustic removal of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms from titanium surface with an Er:YAG laser using super short pulses

Biofilms that grow on implant surfaces pose a great risk and challenge for the dental implant survival. In this work, we have applied Er:YAG photoacoustic irrigation using super short pulses (Er:YAG-SSP) to remove biofilms from the titanium surfaces in the non-contact mode. Mature Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were treated with saline solution, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide, or photoacoustically with Er:YAG-SSP for 10 or 60 s. The number of total and viable bacteria as well as biofilm surface coverage was determined prior and after different treatments. Er:YAG-SSP photoacoustic treatment significantly increases the biofilm removal rate compared to saline or chemically treated biofilms. Up to 92% of biofilm-covered surface can be cleaned in non-contact mode during 10 s without the use of abrasives or chemicals. In addition, Er:YAG-SSP photoacoustic irrigation significantly decreases the number of viable bacteria that remained on the titanium surface. Within the limitations of the present in vitro model, the ER:YAG-SSP seems to constitute an efficient therapeutic option for quick debridement and decontamination of titanium implants without using abrasives or chemicals.

Antibacterial metals and alloys for potential biomedical implants

Metals and alloys, including stainless steel, titanium and its alloys, cobalt alloys, and other metals and alloys have been widely used clinically as implant materials, but implant-related infection or inflammation is still one of the main causes of implantation failure. The bacterial infection or inflammation that seriously threatens human health has already become a worldwide complaint. Antibacterial metals and alloys recently have attracted wide attention for their long-term stable antibacterial ability, good mechanical properties and good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. In this review, common antibacterial alloying elements, antibacterial standards and testing methods were introduced. Recent developments in the design and manufacturing of antibacterial metal alloys containing various antibacterial agents were described in detail, including antibacterial stainless steel, antibacterial titanium alloy, antibacterial zinc and alloy, antibacterial magnesium and alloy, antibacterial cobalt alloy, and other antibacterial metals and alloys. Researches on the antibacterial properties, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of antibacterial metals and alloys have been summarized in detail for the first time. It is hoped that this review could help researchers understand the development of antibacterial alloys in a timely manner, thereby could promote the development of antibacterial metal alloys and the clinical application.

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This paper focuses the recent development of several antibacterial metals and alloys as biomedical materials.

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The possible antibacterial mechanisms of antibacterial metals and alloys are summarized in this paper.

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This review discusses the feasibility of antibacterial metals and alloys as biomedical implants in the future.

Changes in the surface topography and element proportion of clinically failed SLA implants after in vitro debridement by different methods

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surface topography and element proportion changes in clinically failed implants after different modalities in vitro debridement and to compare the cleaning effect of different method combinations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty clinical failed implants were treated by different debridement methods in vitro as follows: Group 1: physiologic saline irrigation; Group 2: glycine powder air polishing; Group 3: glycine powder air polishing + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); Group 4: polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tip ultrasonic scaling; and Group 5: PEEK tip ultrasonic scaling + EDTA. The relative contaminated area reduction (RCAR), visual analogue scale (VAS, the higher value means, the better cleaning effect) and surface roughness were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), stereoscopic microscopy (SM) and white light interferometry (WLI). Surface chemistry was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

RESULTS

Group 4 and Group 5 showed higher RCARs (82.90%, 82.89%), VAS scores (2.61, 2.33) and roughness reductions (-0.85 μm, -1.80 μm). Group 3 attained the highest decrease of C% (carbon, -26.67%), O% (oxygen, -13.71%) and N% (nitrogen, -5.66%), and the highest increase of Ti% (titanium, 49.67%). PEEK remnants were detected on the implant surface of Groups 4 and 5.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of the present in vitro design, PEEK tip ultrasonic scaling was more effective in eliminating visible contamination, while glycine powder air polishing combined with EDTA treatment was more conducive to expose the original surface element distribution. Both methods have their own advantages in decontamination, but none of them could reconstruct the surface as the pristine implant.

Assessment of implant surface and instrument insert changes due to instrumentation with different tips for ultrasonic-driven debridement

Background

To assess the changes of implant surfaces of different roughness after instrumentation with ultrasonic-driven scaler tips of different materials.

Methods

Experiments were performed on two moderately rough surfaces (I—Inicell® and II—SLA®), one surface without pre-treatment (III) and one smooth machined surface (IV). Scaler tips made of steel (A), PEEK (B), titanium (C), carbon (D) and resin (E) were used for instrumentation with a standardized pressure of 100 g for ten seconds and under continuous automatic motion. Each combination of scaler tip and implant surface was performed three times on 8 titanium discs. After instrumentation roughness was assessed by profilometry, morphological changes were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, and element distribution on the utmost surface by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Results

The surface roughness of discs I and II were significantly reduced by instrumentation with all tips except E. For disc III and IV roughness was enhanced by tip A and C and, only for IV, by tip D. Instrumentation with tips B, D and E left extensive residuals on surface I, II and III. The element analysis of these deposits proved consistent with the elemental composition of the respective tip materials.

Conclusion

All ultrasonic instruments led to microscopic alterations of all types of implants surfaces assessed in the present study. The least change of implant surfaces might result from resin or carbon tips on machined surfaces.

Comparison between four different implant surface debridement methods: an in-vitro experimental study

BACKGROUND

Peri-implantitis treatment is a very challenging topic to discuss. What is certain is that preventive/supportive therapy plays a key-role in peri-implant tissues' health maintenance and non-surgical implant surface mechanical debridement remains one of the solid pillars in the therapeutic pathway. In this perspective, many surface decontaminating methods have been proposed and tested to remove hard and soft bacterial deposits. The aim of this study was to compare four different commonly used non-surgical implant debridement methods in terms of cleaning potential in vitro, using a peri-implant pocket-simulating model.

METHODS

Sixty-four dental implants were ink-stained and placed into a simulated peri-implant pocket. Samples were then divided into four groups and treated with different debridement methods: stainless-steel ultrasonic tip (PS), peek-coated ultrasonic tip (PI), sub-gingival air-polishing with erythritol powder (EHX) and sub-gingival air-polishing with glycine powder (GLY). For each treatment group, half of the samples were treated for 5 seconds and the other half for 45 seconds. High-resolution images were taken using a digital microscope and later analyzed with a light processing software for measuring the cleaned area percentage (ink-free). Two different images were captured for every sample: a first image with the implant positioned perpendicular to the microscope lenses (90°) and a second one with the implant placed with a 45° vertical angulation, with the smooth neck towards the ground. Percentage of removed ink was statistically modelled using a generalized linear mixed model with the implant as a random (clustering) factor.

RESULTS

A paired comparison between all treatments in terms of debridement potential (cleaned area percentage) was performed. In 5s and with 90° sample angulation EHX/PS comparison showed an odds ratio of 2.75 (P<0.001), PI/EHX an OR of 0.20 (P<0.001), GLY/PS an OR of 2.90 (P<0.001), PI/GLY an OR of 0.19 (P<0.001) and PI/PS an OR of 0.56 (P=0.105). With the same sample angulation and 45s treatment time, the OR was 6.97 (P<0.001) for EHX/PS comparison, 0.14 (P<0.001) for PI/EHX comparison, 4.99 (P<0.001) for GLY/PS, 0.19 (P<0.001) for PI/GLY and 0.95 for PI/PS (P =0.989). With 5s of treatment time and 45° sample angulation, EHX/PS comparison shows a 3.19 odds ratio (P<0.001), PI/EHX a 0.14 odds ratio (P<0.001), GLY/PS a 3.06 odds ratio (P<0.001), PI/GLY a 0.15 odds ratio (P<0.001) and PI/PS a 0.46 odds ratio (P=0.017). With the same sample angulation but 45s treatment time, EHX/PS comparison produced an odds ratio of 4.90 (P<0.001), PI/EHX an OR of 0.20 (P<0.001), GLY/PS an OR of 8.74 (P<0.001), PI/GLY an OR of 0.11 (P<0.001) and PI/PS an OR 0.96 of (P =0.996).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the four treatments considered, air-polishing therapy represents the best one in terms of ink removal from the implant surface. Furthermore, increasing the treatment time to 45 seconds, air-polishing resulted considerably more efficient.

Significance of implant design on the efficacy of different peri-implantitis decontamination protocols

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of three mechanical decontamination methods in four types of commercially available implants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-six implants of four commercial brands with different designs (regarding thread depth and thread pitch) were soaked in a surrogate biofilm (ink) and air-dried. Circumferential standardized peri-implant defects with 6 mm in depth and 1.55 mm in width were custom-made with a 3D printer. Stained implants were inserted in the defects and instrumented with three different methods: a titanium brush (TNB), a metallic ultrasonic tip (IST) and an air abrasive (PF). Standardized photographs were taken vertically to the implant axis (flat view), and with angulations of 60° (upper view) and 120° (lower view) to the implant long axis. The percentage of residual stain (PRS) was calculated with the image analysis software. Scanning electron microscope evaluations were performed on the buccal aspect of the implants at the central level of the defect.

RESULTS

The efficacy of PF was significantly inferior to the TNB and IST in all implant designs, while there were no significant differences between TNB and IST. IST showed significantly higher PRS in the implant with the highest thread pitch, while the TNB had the highest PRS in the implant with a marked reverse buttress-thread design. The micro-thread design had the lowest values of PRS for all decontamination methods. The apically facing threads represented the areas with highest PRS for all implant designs and decontamination methods.

CONCLUSION

Thread geometry influenced the access of the decontamination devices and in turn its efficacy. Implants with lower thread pitch and thread depth values appeared to have less residual staining.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians must be aware of the importance of thread geometry in the decontamination efficacy.

Angled implant brush for hygienic maintenance of full-arch fixed-implant rehabilitations: a pilot study

PURPOSE

This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the cleaning efficacy of an angled implant brush for home oral hygiene of full-arch fixed-implant prostheses.

METHODS

Forty-one patients treated with a full-arch implant rehabilitation in the maxilla or mandible (164 implants) for at least 4 months were enrolled. The screw-retained fixed prostheses were removed and baseline (T0) parameters were recorded, including plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP). All patients completed a 5-item questionnaire on hygiene maintenance and received an implant brush for home hygiene. After 1 month (T1) PI, PD, and BOP were recorded again and patients completed a 7-item questionnaire to evaluate their satisfaction with the implant brush. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the significance of changes in PI, PD, and BOP. A P value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

A statistically significant reduction of BOP (0.62±0.6 at T0 vs. 0.5±0.5 at T1; P=0.032) was found, while no statistically significant changes in PD (1.74±0.5 mm at T0 vs. 1.77±0.5 mm at T1; P=0.050) or PI (1.9±0.7 at T0 vs. 1.7±0.7 at T1; P=0.280) occurred. According to the 7-item questionnaire, patients reported no difficulty in using the angled brush (63.4%) and deemed it highly (46.3%) or very highly (4.8%) effective in improving their home oral hygiene.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of the present pilot study, the patients experienced a reduction of BOP 1 month after being instructed to use the angled implant brush. The angled implant brush appeared to be a well-accepted device for home-care hygiene of full-arch fixed-implant rehabilitations.

Comparison of the effects of air-powder abrasion, chemical decontamination, or their combination in open-flap surface decontamination of implants failed for peri-implantitis: an ex vivo study

Objectives

To compare, using an ex vivo model, the biofilm removal of three surface decontamination methods following surgical exposure of implants failed for severe peri-implantitis.

Materials and methods

The study design was a single-blind, randomized, controlled, ex vivo investigation with intra-subject control. Study participants were 20 consecutive patients with at least 4 hopeless implants, in function for >12 months and with progressive bone loss exceeding 50%, which had to be explanted. Implants of each patient were randomly assigned to the untreated control group or one of the three decontamination procedures: mechanical debridement with air-powder abrasion, chemical decontamination with hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine gluconate, or combined mechanical-chemical decontamination. Following surgical exposure, implants selected as control were retrieved, and afterwards, test implants were decontaminated according to allocation and carefully explanted with a removal kit. Microbiological analysis was expressed in colony-forming-units (CFU/ml).

Results

A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the concentrations of CFU/ml was found between implants treated with mechanical debridement (531.58 ± 372.07) or combined mechanical-chemical decontamination (954.05 ± 2219.31) and implants untreated (37,800.00 ± 46,837.05) or treated with chemical decontamination alone (29,650.00 ± 42,596.20). No statistically significant difference (p = 1.000) was found between mechanical debridement used alone or supplemented with chemical decontamination. Microbiological analyses identified 21 microbial species, without significant differences between control and treatment groups.

Conclusions

Bacterial biofilm removal from infected implant surfaces was significantly superior for mechanical debridement than chemical decontamination.

Clinical relevance

The present is the only ex vivo study based on decontamination methods for removing actual and mature biofilm from infected implant surfaces in patients with peri-implantitis.

The impact of surface alteration on epithelial tissue attachment after the mechanical cleaning of titanium or zirconia surface

OBJECTIVE

Mechanical plaque removal may alter the surface morphology of the gingival penetration part of the implant. We applied an air-powered abrasive system (AP), titanium curette (TC), stainless curette (SC), ultrasound scaler (US), and titanium brush (TB) which are commonly used to remove plaque, to titanium or zirconia and the changes in surface morphology and the epithelial attach against substrata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(a) The morphological changes of titanium and zirconia after mechanical cleaning were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and a roughness analyser. (b) Oral epithelial cells of rats were inoculated on the surface of the materials after mechanical cleaning, and the adherence of epithelial cells was observed. (c) The maxillary first molars were extracted from the rats and replaced by experimental titanium or zirconia implants. The length of the immunoreactive laminin-332 band was observed at the implant-peri-implant epithelium interface.

RESULTS

(a) The surface roughness increased in experimental groups except the AP group. (b) Among the experimental groups, the AP group showed the highest number of attached cells. (c) The length of the immunoreactive laminin-332 band was longer in the control group than those in all five experimental groups. Among the experimental groups, the AP group showed the longest band.

CONCLUSION

All mechanical cleaning methods increased the surface roughness of the materials except AP. AP did not cause distinct implant surface alterations. Surface alteration caused by mechanical cleaning may evoke inferior for epithelial attachment and reduce resistance against foreign infiltration.

In vitro surgical and non-surgical air-polishing efficacy for implant surface decontamination in three different defect configurations

Objectives

Evaluation of surgical and non-surgical air-polishing in vitro efficacy for implant surface decontamination.

Material and methods

One hundred eighty implants were distributed to three differently angulated bone defect models (30°, 60°, 90°). Biofilm was imitated using indelible red color. Sixty implants were used for each defect, 20 of which were air-polished with three different types of glycine air powder abrasion (GAPA1–3) combinations. Within 20 equally air-polished implants, a surgical and non-surgical (with/without mucosa mask) procedure were simulated. All implants were photographed to determine the uncleaned surface. Changes in surface morphology were assessed using scanning electron micrographs (SEM).

Results

Cleaning efficacy did not show any significant differences between GAPA1–3 for surgical and non-surgical application. Within a cleaning method significant (p < 0.001) differences for GAPA2 between 30° (11.77 ± 2.73%) and 90° (7.25 ± 1.42%) in the non-surgical and 30° (8.26 ± 1.02%) and 60° (5.02 ± 0.84%) in the surgical simulation occurred. The surgical use of air-polishing (6.68 ± 1.66%) was significantly superior (p < 0.001) to the non-surgical (10.13 ± 2.75%). SEM micrographs showed no surface damages after use of GAPA.

Conclusions

Air-polishing is an efficient, surface protective method for surgical and non-surgical implant surface decontamination in this in vitro model. No method resulted in a complete cleaning of the implant surface.

Clinical relevance

Air-polishing appears to be promising for implant surface decontamination regardless of the device.

The effect of standoff distance and surface roughness on biofilm disruption using cavitation

Effective biofilm removal from surfaces in the mouth is a clinical challenge. Cavitation bubbles generated around a dental ultrasonic scaler are being investigated as a method to remove biofilms effectively. It is not known how parameters such as surface roughness and instrument distance from biofilm affect the removal. We grew Strepotococcus sanguinis biofilms on coverslips and titanium discs with varying surface roughness (between 0.02-3.15 μm). Experimental studies were carried out for the biofilm removal using high speed imaging and image analysis to calculate the area of biofilm removed at varying ultrasonic scaler standoff distances from the biofilm. We found that surface roughness up to 2 μm does not adversely affect biofilm removal but a surface roughness of 3 μm caused less biofilm removal. The standoff distance also has different effects depending on the surface roughness but overall a distance of 1 mm is just as effective as a distance of 0.5 mm. The results show significant biofilm removal due to an ultrasonic scaler tip operating for only 2s versus 15-60s in previous studies. The technique developed for high speed imaging and image analysis of biofilm removal can be used to investigate physical biofilm disruption from biomaterial surfaces in other fields.

Evaluation of decontamination methods of oral biofilms formed on screw-shaped, rough and machined surface implants: an ex vivo study

Background

To evaluate the effect of several representative decontamination methods of oral biofilms on different implant surfaces.

Material and methods

Eleven participants wore a hard resin splint carrying 6 rough (GC Aadva® implant; 3.3-mm diameter, 8-mm length) or machined (not commercially available) surface implants for 4 days to accumulate dental plaque naturally on the titanium surfaces of the implants. Apart from surface roughness, the morphology of all implants was identical. After detaching the implants from the splints, the ability of the following decontamination methods—gauze soaked in saline (G), ultrasonic scaler (US), air abrasive (Air), rotary stainless steel instrument (Rot), and Er:YAG laser (Las)—to cleanse the contaminated implant surface for 1 min extra-orally was tested. The control (Cont) group did not receive any decontamination. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigation of one participant’s samples was employed to examine the post-instrumented implant surface for qualitative analysis, and bacterial culture of the remaining 10 participants’ samples was performed to count the number of colony-forming units (CFU) for quantitative analysis. The experimental sequence was initially performed for the rough surface implants and then similarly repeated for the machined surface implants. Bacterial CFU counts among the six groups were analyzed using the Steel-Dwass test, and differences between rough and machined surface implants were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

G and Rot eliminated most biofilms on machined surface implants according to SEM analysis. G, Air, and Rot removed significantly more of the biofilms on rough and machined surface implants compared with US according to CFU counts. Moreover, G significantly reduced more biofilms than Las on machined surface implants. The analysis between rough and machined surface implants showed that Cont, G, and US were better able to cleanse biofilms on machined surface implants compared with rough surface implants.

Conclusions

Gauze soaked in saline and rotary stainless steel instruments may be advantageous for cleansing contaminated implant surfaces based on the qualitative and quantitative analyses. In contrast, air abrasives were not shown to be preferable in the qualitative analyses. Additionally, apart from the Er:YAG laser, the reduction of biofilms assessed in both qualitative and quantitative analyses demonstrated that all decontamination methods were better at cleansing machined surface implants compared with rough surface implants.

Cleaning potential of different air abrasive powders and their impact on implant surface roughness

BACKGROUND

Implant surface roughness after air abrasive therapy has not been measured precisely in previous research. Debridement with air abrasion facilitates the mechanical removal of bacterial biofilms but may damage implant surfaces on a microscopic level.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the cleaning potential of various air abrasive powders and their effect on titanium implant surfaces.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty implants coated with red ink were inserted into three-dimensional printed circumferential bone defect models. Treatment was completed with three types of air abrasive powders: sodium bicarbonate (SB), glycine, and erythritol for 60 seconds. Water alone was used as control. The percentage of remaining ink was assessed using digital photography and graphic software. Implant surface topography/roughness was quantified using optical profilometry and examined via scanning electron microscopy. The microscopic analysis was performed at two implant areas: collar (Laser-Lok surface) and threads.

RESULTS

The cleaned surfaces (%, mean ± SD) after treatment with SB, glycine, and erythritol accounted for 49.3 ± 3.6%, 33.1 ± 1.2%, and 25.1 ± 0.7%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between all groups (P < .001). SB was the only powder that significantly increased the implant roughness (S_a ) on both the implant collar (1.53-2.10 μm) and threads (3.53-4.20 μm). Regardless of the abrasive powder used, the collar, emerging implant surfaces from the defect base, and surfaces beneath implants threads exhibited more post-treatment residual ink.

CONCLUSION

Large-sized powder showed the greatest cleaning capacity, but caused more alterations to the implant surface. Glycine and erythritol displayed no significant changes in surface roughness, however, demonstrated a limited ink removal capacity.

Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucositis with Repeated Application of Chlorhexidine Chips or Gel during Supportive Therapy - A Randomized Clinical Trial

Running head

Peri-implant maintenance with CHX

Abstract

Background: To assess the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) chip application in patients with peri-implant mucositis as compared to CHX gel application. Methods: In peri-implant sites with mucositis, CHX gel was applied in the control group (GC) and CHX chips in the test group (CC) at baseline and after three months. At baseline and after six months, peri-implant pocket depths (PPD), bleeding-on-probing (BOP) and activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP8) were assessed. Longitudinal changes were tested for inter-group differences. Results: Thirty-two patients were treated. BOP was more reduced (p = 0.006) in CC than in GC, with means and standard deviations of 46 ± 28% and 17 ± 27%, respectively. PPD was more reduced (p = 0.002) in CC than in GC with 0.65 ± 0.40 mm and 0.18 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. Regarding BOP, the percentages of improved, unchanged and worsened sites accounted for 32%, 61% and 7% in GC and 46%, 53% and 1% in CC, respectively. For probing pocket depth, the according values were 26%, 66% and 8% (GC) versus 57%, 38% and 5% (CC). Conclusions: During supportive therapy, repeated CHX chip application might resolve marginal peri-implant inflammation in terms of bleeding better than CHX gel.

Biofilm as a risk factor in implant treatment

This article summarizes the microbiological findings at dental implants, drawing distinctions between the peri-implant microbiome and the periodontal microbiome, and summarizes what is known regarding biofilm as a risk factor for specific stages of implant treatment. Targeted microbial analysis is reviewed as well as the latest results from open-ended sequencing of the peri-implant flora. At this time there remains a lack of consensus for a specific microbial profile that is associated with peri-implantitis, suggesting that there may be other factors which influence the microbiome such as titanium surface dissolution. Therapeutic interventions to address the biofilm are presented at the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative stages. Evidence supports that perioperative chlorhexidine reduces biofilm-related implant complications and failure. Regular maintenance for dental implants is also shown to reduce peri-implant mucositis and implant failure. Maintenance procedures should aim to disrupt the biofilm without damaging the titanium dioxide surface layer in an effort to prevent further oxidation. Evidence supports the use of glycine powder air polishing as a valuable adjunct to conventional therapies for use at implant maintenance visits. For the treatment of peri-implantitis, nonsurgical therapy has not been shown to be effective, and while surgical intervention is not always predictable, it has been shown to be superior to nonsurgical treatment for decontamination of the implant surface that is not covered by bone.

Surface alterations following instrumentation with a nylon or metal brush evaluated with confocal microscopy

Purpose

Surface alterations of titanium discs following instrumentation with either a nylon brush or a metal brush were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 27 titanium discs with 3 surface types (9 discs for each type), including machined (M) surfaces, sandblasted and acid-etched (SA) surfaces, and surfaces treated by resorbable blast media (RBM), were used. Three discs were instrumented with a nylon brush, another 3 discs were instrumented with a metal brush, and the remaining 3 discs were used as controls for each surface type. Surface properties including the arithmetic mean value of a linear profile (Ra), maximum height of a linear profile (Rz), skewness of the assessed linear profile (Rsk), arithmetic mean height of a surface (Sa), maximum height of a surface (Sz), developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr), skewness of a surface profile (Ssk), and kurtosis of a surface profile (Sku) were measured using confocal microscopy.

Results

Instrumentation with the nylon brush increased the Ra, Sa, and Sdr of the M surfaces. On the SA surfaces, Ra, Sa and Sdr decreased after nylon brush use. Meanwhile, the roughness of the RBM surface was not affected by the nylon brush. The use of the metal brush also increased the Ra, Sa, and Sdr of the M surface; however, the increase in Sdr was not statistically significant (P=0.119). The decreases in the Rz, Sz, Ra, Sa, and Sdr of the SA surfaces were remarkable. On the RBM surfaces, the use of the metal brush did not cause changes in Ra and Sa, whereas Rz, Sz, and Sdr were reduced.

Conclusions

Titanium surfaces were altered when instrumented either with a nylon brush or a metal brush. Hence, it is recommended that nylon or metal brushes be used with caution in order to avoid damaging the implant fixture/abutment surface.

Differential Efficacy of Two Dental Implant Decontamination Techniques in Reducing Microbial Biofilm and Re-Growth onto Titanium Disks In Vitro

Dental implants are crucial therapeutic devices for successful substitution of missing teeth. Failure cases are mainly pathogen-associated events, allowing clinical progression toward peri-mucositis or peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two mechanical decontamination systems, Nickel-Titanium brush (Brush) and Air-Polishing system with 40 µm bicarbonate powder (BIC-40), by means of a novel bioluminescence-based model that measures microbial load in real time. Briefly, 30 disks were contaminated using the bioluminescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain (BLI-P. aeruginosa), treated with Brush (30 s rounds, for 90 s) or BIC-40 (30 s, at 5 mm distance) procedure, and then assessed for microbial load, particularly, biofilm removal and re-growth. Our results showed that Brush and BIC-40 treatment reduced microbial load of about 1 and more than 3 logs, respectively. Furthermore, microbial re-growth onto Brush-treated disks rapidly occurred, while BIC-40-treated disks were slowly recolonized, reaching levels of microbial load consistently below those observed with the controls. In conclusion, we provide evidence on the good performance of BIC-40 as titanium device-decontamination system, the clinical implication for such findings will be discussed.

Surface changes and bacterial adhesion on implant abutment materials after various clinical cleaning procedures

BACKGROUND

Supportive treatments are essential to long-term dental implant success; however, professional cleaning procedures may alter the surfaces of implant abutments and lead to adverse biological responses. This study aimed to evaluate four clinically used cleaning procedures by examining surface changes and subsequent bacterial adhesion on abutment materials.

METHODS

Discs of titanium and zirconia were polished and divided into five groups: titanium curette treatment, carbon fiber reinforced plastic curette treatment, ultrasonic scaling with carbon fiber tip treatment, air polishing with glycine powder, and control group without any treatment. After instrumentation, the arithmetical mean roughness (Ra), hydrophilicity, and surface free energy were recorded. The bacterial adhesion was evaluated after 1 h of Streptococcus mitis incubation by optical microscope and quantified by turbidity test.

RESULTS

Among the titanium samples, titanium curette treatment group showed significant surface morphology changes, increased Ra, hydrophilicity, surface free energy, and higher optical density of adhered bacteria. As for the zirconia samples, the differences in surface morphology, Ra, and bacterial adhesion between groups were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION

Comparing to titanium, zirconia was less susceptible to surface changes after tested cleaning procedures. Titanium curette should be used with care on titanium abutments.

In vitro Assessment of Peri-implantitis Treatment Procedures: A Review

Background:

The prevalence of peri-implantitis is increasing continuously and such a biological complication significantly decreases implant survival and success. Although various treatment modalities have been identified for peri-implantitis, no completely efficient method has yet been established.

Objective:

The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific literature regarding the in vitro effects of peri-implantitis treatment.

Methods:

A review of the literature was performed by using Google Scholar, PubMed/ MEDLINE and Science Direct databases. In vitro studies on peri-implantitis treatment modalities were selected. The search strategy identified 57 eligible studies. After selection, 21 articles met all the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review.

Results:

Included in vitro studies evaluated different types of peri-implantitis treatment modalities such as mechanical, chemical, combination and laser therapies. Combination therapies with the aid of adjuvants were found to be more effective compared to the studies that used only one type of treatment modality. Laser systems were also tested and displayed interesting results in terms of surface decontamination with a variability associated with selected parameters.

Conclusion:

This review was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment modalities used for peri-implantitis in vitro. Although there are various effective treatment methods, none has been completely successful in removing the biofilms related to peri-implantitis. The findings imply the need for further studies to develop more effective antimicrobial treatment procedures.

In vitro efficacy of three different implant surface decontamination methods in three different defect configurations

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of in vitro efficacy of three different implant surface decontamination methods in a peri-implant bone defect model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 180 implants were stained with indelible red color and distributed to standardized peri-implant bone defect resin models with a circumferential defect angulation of 30°, 60°, or 90° (supraosseous defect). Sixty implants were assigned to each type of defect. All implants were cleaned by the same examiner. For each type of defect, 20 implants were cleaned for 2 min with one of 3 devices: curette (CUR), sonicscaler (SOSC), or air abrasion with glycine powder (APA). Thereafter, photographs were taken from both sides of each implant and the cumulative uncleaned implant surface area was measured by color recognition technique. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) were examined to assess morphologic surface damages.

RESULTS

The cleaning efficacy as percent (%) of residual color was significantly different for each of the 3 defect angulations (p < 0.001) for each treatment device: 30° CUR: 53.44% > SOSC: 19.69% > APA: 8.03%; 60° CUR: 57.13% > SOSC: 11.4% > APA: 0.13%; and 90° CUR: 48.1% > SOSC: 13.07% > APA: 0.58%. The differences between the three different cleaning modalities within each defect type were also significant (p < 0.005). SEM micrographs showed no surface damages after the use of APA.

CONCLUSION

Air powder abrasion is the most efficient (APA > SOSC > CUR) and less surface damaging treatment modality for each defect angulation in this in vitro model.