LAUSR

BACKGROUND Peri-implantitis is a frequent finding. Initial treatment involves non-surgical debridement of the implant surface. Recent studies have found a correlation between titanium 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with peri-implantitis were recruited for a randomized, blinded, parallel-group clinical trial. The implants were randomized to treatment composed of titanium curettes (group "Mech") or implant-specific treatment composed of rotary polymer microbrushes (group "Imp"). Titanium (Ti) release in submucosal peri-implant plaque pre- and 8 weeks post-treatment was assessed as the primary outcome. Peri-implant probing depth, bleeding on probing, and suppuration on probing were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS 34 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 post-treatment compared to the Imp group (P = 0.069). The Imp group had a significant reduction in probing depth post-treatment (p = 0.006), while the Mech group reduction was not significant. CONCLUSION Peri-implantitis treated non-surgically with implant-specific instruments had a significantly greater decrease in probing depth versus the Mech treatment group. This improvement was linked with a trend for less titanium release to the peri-implant plaque by the non-abrasive treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.