Validation of a Novel Diagnostic Test for Assessing the Risk of Peri-Implantitis through the Identification of the Microorganisms Present: A Pilot Clinical Study of Periopoc

Abstract

The aim of this parallel group study was to determine the clinical applicability of a newly developed bacterial test. We evaluated the ability of the test to detect five bacteria associated with peri-implantitis: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Treponema denticola. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were established. Furthermore, by analyzing the pre-test and post-test probabilities, likelihood ratios were established, and a Fagan nomogram was constructed. As the standard, the clinical criteria of peri-implantitis adopted in the latest classification of peri-implant diseases of 2018 were used. The sample consisted of 13 patients clinically diagnosed with peri-implantitis (various implant brands) with at least 1 year of loading, of whom 11 were included in the study. The healthy group comprised 10 patients who received implants (Ticare inhex hybrid) at the university dental clinic and were monitored and exhibited no signs or symptoms of peri-implantitis during 1 year of loading. The results indicated that this test has high sensitivity and low specificity; therefore, positive results will be of great importance for a confirmatory diagnosis of peri-implantitis. However, the test is not suitable as a screening tool.