One‐year results of a nonsurgical treatment protocol for peri‐implantitis. A retrospective case series

Treatment of peri-implantitis with a flapless surgical access combined with implant surface decontamination and adjunctive systemic antibiotics: A retrospective case series study

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of a flapless surgical approach in the treatment of peri-implantitis and to explore the factors influencing its outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present retrospective study evaluated patients with at least one implant diagnosed with peri-implantitis and treated with a flapless surgical access, with or without systemic antimicrobials, curettage and, when needed, prostheses modification. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and at 3 months and at least 12 months. The primary outcome was disease resolution (≤1 bleeding sites, probing depth [PD] ≤5 mm, no bone loss >0.5 mm). Multilevel regression analyses were used to identify predictors influencing the probability of attaining disease resolution.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventeen patients with 338 implants were included. Disease resolution was attained in 54.4% of the 338 implants receiving flapless surgical access. At the end of the follow-up period, 111 patients (94.9%) with 295 implants (87.3%) did not require any further treatment, with 81.4% of these implants presenting PD ≤ 5 mm. History of periodontitis and PD at baseline were identified as negative predictors, while compliance with supportive peri-implant care, a machined surface and the adjunctive use of systemic azithromycin or metronidazole were identified as positive predictive factors for disease resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

A flapless surgical approach led to disease resolution in 54.4% of the implants with peri-implantitis. Several risk/protective predictors for disease resolution were identified.

A Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Bacterial Lysate versus Antibiotic Therapy in the Treatment of Experimental Peri-Implantitis in Rats

Peri-implantitis (PI) is a current concern whose understanding and resolution are ongoing. We aimed to evaluate in vivo a new treatment with antibacterial properties, based on bacterial lysates obtained from the strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus oralis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. This research was conducted on 30 rats with PI which were divided into three groups and treated with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory (AAi) drugs, bacterial lysates (BLs), and saline (C), respectively. The monitoring period included the clinical and paraclinical examination where hematological, immunological, imaging, and histopathological analysis were performed. No particular clinical signs were observed, but the radiological examination showed the loss of all implants in group C, in contrast to group BL which had the highest survival rate of devices. White cells showed a decrease from the PI period, as did the immunological analysis. Only IL-6 showed an increase in the AAi and BL groups. Histopathologically, the C group presented a high degree of bone destruction, and in the BL group, many attenuated inflammatory phenomena appeared compared to the AAi animals. Bacterial lysates have similar effects to antibiotic-based therapeutic regimens for PI, and their future use may help to improve the current therapeutic management of the disease.

Osteoblast Attachment on Bioactive Glass Air Particle Abrasion-Induced Calcium Phosphate Coating

Air particle abrasion (APA) using bioactive glass (BG) effectively decontaminates titanium (Ti) surface biofilms and the retained glass particles on the abraded surfaces impart potent antibacterial properties against various clinically significant pathogens. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of BG APA and simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion of sandblasted and acid-etched (SA) Ti surfaces on osteoblast cell viability. Another goal was to study the antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans. Square-shaped 10 mm diameter Ti substrates (n = 136) were SA by grit blasting with aluminum oxide particles, then acid-etching in an HCl-H2SO4 mixture. The SA substrates (n = 68) were used as non-coated controls (NC-SA). The test group (n = 68) was further subjected to APA using experimental zinc-containing BG (Zn4) and then mineralized in SBF for 14 d (Zn4-CaP). Surface roughness, contact angle, and surface free energy (SFE) were calculated on test and control surfaces. In addition, the topography and chemistry of substrate surfaces were also characterized. Osteoblastic cell viability and focal adhesion were also evaluated and compared to glass slides as an additional control. The antibacterial effect of Zn4-CaP was also assessed against S. mutans. After immersion in SBF, a mineralized zinc-containing Ca-P coating was formed on the SA substrates. The Zn4-CaP coating resulted in a significantly lower Ra surface roughness value (2.565 μm; p < 0.001), higher wettability (13.35°; p < 0.001), and higher total SFE (71.13; p < 0.001) compared to 3.695 μm, 77.19° and 40.43 for the NC-SA, respectively. APA using Zn4 can produce a zinc-containing calcium phosphate coating that demonstrates osteoblast cell viability and focal adhesion comparable to that on NC-SA or glass slides. Nevertheless, the coating had no antibacterial effect against S. mutans.

Outcome indicators of non-surgical therapy of peri-implantitis: a prospective case series analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify patient and implant indicators influencing the non-surgical therapeutic outcomes of peri-implantitis at 6 months of follow-up.

METHODS

This case series involved patients with at least one implant diagnosed with peri-implantitis according to the 2017 World Workshop criteria. Non-surgical therapy consisted of mechanical debridement of the peri-implant pockets combined with metronidazole 500 mg 3 times a day for 7 days. At baseline and at 6 months, clinical and radiographic variables were collected to calculate treatment success (probing pocket depth reduction to 5 mm without bleeding on probing or < 5 mm irrespective of bleeding on probing at all implant sites, and lack of bone loss progression). The primary outcome was treatment success (%) at 6 months. The influence of the patient and implant/prosthetic variables upon disease resolution was assessed through simple and multiple logistic regression analyses at patient and implant level, using generalized estimation equations models.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients and 107 implants were analyzed at 6 months. Disease resolution was established in 25.7% of the patients and 24.1% of the implants. Patients with stage IV and grade C periodontitis, inadequate oral hygiene at baseline, and wide diameter (≥ 4.5 mm) presented significantly greater treatment failure, whereas smokers and former smokers demonstrated a tendency toward failure. At 6 months, there was a significant decrease in probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing of 1.08 ± 1.06 mm and 14%, respectively. Radiographically, a significant gain in marginal bone level of 0.43 ± 0.56 mm was observed.

CONCLUSION

Disease resolution after non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis is negatively influenced by the loss of support of the adjacent periodontium, poor baseline oral hygiene, and wide diameter implants (≥ 4.5 mm).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study helps to discriminate the clinical situations in which non-surgical treatment is less likely to achieve treatment success at short term.

Antibiotics as Adjunctive Therapy in the Non-Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The role of antibiotics as adjunctive therapy in the non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis is uncertain. The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to assess the efficacy of antibiotic therapy, local or systemic, as an adjunctive to the non-surgical therapy of peri-implantitis. Primary outcomes were: implant success rate and complications, changes in radiographic bone level, probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and peri-implantitis resolution. Six studies were included: two using topical and four systemic antibiotics. Adjunctive local antibiotics improved PPD (mean difference (MD) = 0.6 mm; 95% CI 0.42-0.78), BOP (MD = 0.15% (95% CI 0.10, 0.19)) and the success rate (risk ratio = 9.89; 95% CI 2.39-40.84). No significant difference in bone level and success rate were found with the use of systemic antibiotics, although they appeared to improve PPD (MD = 1.15 mm; 95% CI 0.31-1.99) and PAL (MD = 1.10 mm; 95% CI 0.13-2.08). Within the limitations of this review, the adjunctive local antibiotics showed improved outcomes in terms of success rate, PPD and BOP, while adjunctive systemic antibiotics improved PPD and PAL only. Peri-implantitis resolution was about 20-30% using adjunctive local antibiotics, whilst it ranged from 2% to 65% with adjunctive systemic antibiotics. Findings are still controversial, since they are based on few studies with high heterogeneity, at the uncertain or high risk of bias and involve few patients. Non-surgical debridement and maintenance periodontal support therapy remain pivotal and the adjunctive use of antibiotics for peri-implantitis cannot be routinely recommended, even considering the increasing concern on antibiotic resistance.

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.

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.

Airflow for initial nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis may help in reducing microbial load and inflammatory parameters. The potential clinical benefits of using different treatment approaches, in the initial nonsurgical treatment phase, particularly the airflow, are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to evaluate the outcomes of nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using airflow method in terms of changes in periodontal parameters, peri-implant marginal bone level, postoperative pain/discomfort, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared airflow with mechanical debridement using ultrasonic/curettes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Data were analyzed using a statistical software program.

RESULTS

A total of 316 studies were identified, of which, five RCTs with 288 dental implants in 174 participants were included. Overall meta-analysis showed more reduction in probing pocket depths at 1-3 months (mean difference [MD] -0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.50-0.05; p = 0.10) and 6 months (MD -0.04; 95% CI -0.34 to 0.27; p = 0.80) in favor of airflow, but the difference was not statistically significant. The use of airflow was associated with significant reduction in bleeding on probing and increase in peri-implant mucosal recession. The differences in plaque score, peri-implant marginal bone level changes, and patient reported outcomes between airflow and mechanical debridement were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes following nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using airflow or mechanical debridement were comparable. The airflow has short-term positive effects on reducing bleeding on probing. Further evidence from RCTs are still required to substantiate the current findings.

Adjunctive benefits of systemic metronidazole on non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIM

To study clinical, radiographic, and microbiological outcomes after non-surgical therapy of peri-implantitis with or without adjunctive systemic metronidazole.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 32 subjects (62 implants) diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Implants received a mechanical non-surgical debridement session and systemic metronidazole or placebo. Clinical, radiographic, and microbiological outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

After 12 months, the test treatment resulted in significantly greater PPD reduction (2.53 vs. 1.02 mm) and CAL gain (2.14 vs. 0.53 mm) (p value <.05) in comparison with placebo. The test treatment also resulted in additional radiographic bone gain (2.33 vs. 1.13 mm) compared with placebo (p value <.05). There was a significantly greater decrease in Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Campylobacter rectus counts compared with the control group (p value <.05). At the end of follow-up, 56.3% of patients met the success criteria in the test group and 25% in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of systemic metronidazole as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis resulted in significant additional improvements in clinical, radiographic, and microbiological parameters after 12 months of follow-up. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03564301).

Effect of bone loss on the fracture resistance of narrow dental implants after implantoplasty. An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Implantoplasty (IP) involves polishing of the exposed surface of implants affected by peri-implantitis (PI). A study was made to determine whether the degree of bone loss influences the fracture resistance of implants with or without IP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An in vitro study was carried out on 32 narrow (3.5 mm) dental implants with a rough surface and external hexagonal connection. Implantoplasty was performed in half of the implants of the sample. Both the IP and control implants were divided into two subgroups according to the amount of bone loss (3 mm or 7.5 mm). Standardized radiographic assessment of implant width was performed using specific software. The main outcome variable was the maximum compression force (Fmax) of implants when subjected to static resistance to fracture tests. Implant fractures were subsequently analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. A descriptive and bivariate analysis of the data was performed.

RESULTS

Significant changes in implant width were observed after IP (p<0.05). No significant differences between IP and control implants were recorded in terms of the Fmax values in the two bone loss subgroups (3 mm: control 854.37N 195.08 vs. IP 752.12N 186.13; p=0.302, and 7.5 mm: control 548.82N 80.02 vs. IP 593.69N 111.07; p=0.370). Greater bone loss was associated to a decrease in Fmax, which proved significant for the control implants (p=0.001). Fractures were more frequently located in the platform (n=13).

CONCLUSIONS

Implants with more apical bone levels appear to be more susceptible to fracture. On the other hand, IP does not seem to significantly decrease the fracture resistance of narrow (3.5 mm) platform dental implants with external hexagonal connections. The fact that most fractures occur in the platform area indicates that the latter is exposed to more mechanical stress.

Pilot Study on the Use of a Laser-Structured Double Diamond Electrode (DDE) for Biofilm Removal from Dental Implant Surfaces

No proper treatment option for peri-implantitis exists yet. Based on previous studies showing the in vitro effectiveness of electrochemical disinfection using boron-doped diamond electrodes, novel double diamond electrodes (DDE) were tested here. Using a ceramic carrier and a laser structuring process, a clinically applicable electrode array was manufactured. Roughened metal discs (n = 24) made from Ti-Zr alloy were exposed to the oral cavities of six volunteers for 24 h in order to generate biofilm. Then, biofilm removal was carried out either using plastic curettes and chlorhexidine digluconate or electrochemical disinfection. In addition, dental implants were contaminated with ex vivo multispecies biofilm and disinfected using DDE treatment. Bacterial growth and the formation of biofilm polymer were determined as outcome measures. Chemo-mechanical treatment could not eliminate bacteria from roughened surfaces, while in most cases, a massive reduction of bacteria and biofilm polymer was observed following DDE treatment. Electrochemical disinfection was charge- and time-dependent and could also not reach complete disinfection in all instances. Implant threads had no negative effect on DDE treatment. Bacteria exhibit varying resistance to electrochemical disinfection with Bacillus subtilis, Neisseria sp., Rothiamucilaginosa, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Streptococcus mitis surviving 5 min of DDE application at 6 V. Electrochemical disinfection is promising but requires further optimization with respect to charge quantity and application time in order to achieve disinfection without harming host tissue.

Non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment using a pocket irrigator device; clinical, microbiological, radiographical and patient-centred outcomes-A pilot study

Aim

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the effect of a pocket irrigator/evacuator device (IED) in the non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Material and Methods

In total 24 patients having 38 implants diagnosed with peri‐implantitis were included in this study. Peri‐implant pockets were irrigated six times in three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was bleeding on probing (BoP). Secondary outcome parameters included plaque index (Pl), suppuration on probing (SoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), marginal bone loss (MBL), presence and numbers of periodontal pathogens. Parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 months after the last treatment. Treatment pain perception was scored using the visual analog scale (VAS) after the first and last treatment.

Results

At 3 months, IED treatment revealed significant reduction of peri‐implant BoP (71% [±20] vs 57% [±28] [P = .014]) and peri‐implant plaque scores (10 [±14] to 5 [±9] [P = .039] [T0 vs T3 respectively]). Significant reduction in mean peri‐implant PPD from 4.92 mm (SD ± 1.28) to 4.66 mm (SD ± 1.35) (P = .041) was observed. In addition, a reduction in VAS pain score between the first and the last (6th) treatment was found (P = .039). No reduction in SoP (P = .088) was found. No changes in mean periodontal full mouth plaque, BOP, SOP and PPD levels, MBL and microbiological outcomes were found.

Conclusion

Beneficial clinical effects in terms of BoP, PPD and PI were found at 3 months after IED treatment. However, the IED does not seem to effectively treat peri‐implantitis in terms of disease resolution.

Current Approaches for the Non-surgical Management of Peri-implant Diseases

Purpose of the Review

Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory reactions to bacterial infections affecting osseointegrated dental implants. In recent years, scientific interest on this topic has increased, as demonstrated by the appearance of a large number of protocols for treating peri-implant mucositis (PIM) and peri-implantitis (PI). The aim of the present narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent (e.g., 2014–present) published protocols for the non-surgical treatment of peri-implant diseases.

Recent Findings

Several adjunctive measures for mechanical debridement have been proposed and investigated to achieve implant surface decontamination and resolution of mucosal inflammation. However, none of the adjunctive measures has been shown to significantly improve peri-implant conditions compared with non-surgical mechanical debridement alone.

Summary

Non-surgical approaches for the treatment of peri-implant diseases have been proved to be reliable in reducing clinical signs of peri-implant inflammation (e.g., BoP), although with limited capability to achieve complete disease resolution. Due to the limited benefits from the use of currently proposed adjunctive methods (e.g., chlorhexidine, lasers, photodynamic therapy, systemic probiotics) their application is not recommended until further investigations prove their clinical utility.

A nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using mechanic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment: 1 year follow-up

Aims

The study's aim was to assess the clinical outcome 6 and 12 months after a nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis per se or in conjunction with a combination of local antiseptic and anti‐inflammatory treatment.

Materials and methods

Included were 69 patients with periodontitis, with 106 implants, diagnosed with peri‐implantitis. Peri‐implantitis was defined as radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm, probing depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm, with bleeding on probing. Group M peri‐implantitis was treated with ultrasonic debridement and soft tissue curettage. Group P had additional implant surface treatment with rotatory hand piece composed of chitosan bristle, soft tissue curettage combined with application of 0.95% hypochlorite and 1 mg minocycline HCl.

Results

After 6 months, both groups demonstrated significant reduction of mean plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level (0.71 ± 0.57, 0.81 ± 0.55; 4.77 ± 0.73 mm, 4.42 ± 0.5 mm; 5.03 ± 0.86 mm, 5.13 ± 0.73 mm; respectively) and bleeding on probing. After 6 and 12 months, group P showed significantly better PD results compared to group M. The bleeding was significantly less in group P after 12 months (15.3% ± 6.2, 25.1% ± 8.2, respectively).

Conclusions

Adjunctive treatment with local antiseptic and anti‐inflammatories during mechanical phase was positively associated with inflammation reduction and connective tissue reattachment.