Assessment of titanium release following non‐surgical peri‐implantitis treatment: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPeri‐implantitis is a frequent finding. Initial treatment involves non‐surgical debridement of the implant surface. Recent studies have found a correlation between titanium (Ti) particle release and peri‐implantitis, yet there is a dearth of information regarding the effect of various non‐surgical instrumentation on particle release or peri‐implantitis resolution.MethodsPatients with peri‐implantitis were recruited for a randomized, blinded, parallel‐group clinical trial. The implants were randomized to treatment composed of Ti curettes (“Mech” group) or implant‐specific treatment composed of rotary polymer microbrushes (“Imp” group). Ti release in submucosal peri‐implant plaque pre‐ and 8 weeks posttreatment was assessed as the primary outcome. Peri‐implant probing depth, bleeding on probing, and suppuration on probing were evaluated and compared between groups.ResultsThirty‐four participants completed treatment; 18 were randomized to the Mech group and 16 to the Imp group. The groups were comparable for Ti levels and probing depths at baseline. A trend was noted for 10‐fold greater Ti dissolution in the Mech group posttreatment compared to the Imp group (p = 0.069). The Imp group had a significant reduction in probing depth posttreatment (p = 0.006), while the Mech group reduction was not significant.ConclusionPeri‐implantitis treated non‐surgically with implant‐specific instruments (Imp group) had a significantly greater decrease in probing depth versus the Mech treatment group. This improvement was linked with a trend for less Ti release to the peri‐implant plaque by the non‐abrasive treatment.