Erythritol powder airflow for the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesPeri‐implant mucositis is a biofilm‐related, reversible inflammatory disease that can evolve into peri‐implantitis if not adequately treated. The aim of the present randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of air‐abrasive powder as compared to chlorhexidine (CHX) for the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis, in terms of clinical and patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) and occurrence of peri‐implantitis 12 months after treatment.MethodsIn the control group, full‐mouth calculus and plaque removal was performed with ultrasound and manual devices, and a 1.0% CHX gel was applied; in the test group, supra‐ and subgingival biofilm removal was performed using erythritol powder with a dedicated nozzle and calculus removal was performed with ultrasonic instruments if needed. Bleeding and plaque indexes, peri‐implant probing depth and tissue level were measured at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, while PROMs were evaluated up to 7 days after treatment.ResultsAmong 80 included implants, 70 were analysed at 12 months follow‐up (30 in the test group, 40 in the control group, and 20 subjects). Success rates (implant‐level) in terms of bleeding index were significantly different between the test (96.7%) and control group (92.5%); as for PROMs, only taste sensation was significantly better in the test group. The test group was significantly correlated to the smallest changes in peri‐implant probing depth between baseline and 3 months.ConclusionsThe study showed that both treatment strategies are effective. This suggests that the use of air‐abrasive powders could be used as an alternative biofilm removal method instead of adjunctive treatments with antiseptics.