Establishing a New Protocol for Early Mucositis and Peri-implantitis Treatment Using an Air-polishing Device

Peri-implant infections (mucositis and peri-implantitis) depict an increasing focus in dental practice and implantology. mean prevalence of mucositis is of 43% and periimplantitis of 22%. Consequences for the implant without successful treatment range from local reversible inflammation (mucositis) to implant loss (periimplantitis). These lead to functional, social and esthetic prejudices for patients. The main factor for establishment of peri-implant infections is the formation and maturation of the bacterial biofilm. Peri-implantitis and mucositis treatment require the removal of the bacterial biofilm and the disinfection of the implant surface. Because of special surface conditions and structures, it is more difficult to remove bacterial biofilms from implant surfaces than teeth. the key to controlling the inflammation due to the bacterial biofilm is to prevent its installation and progression. The procedure tested in this study is an air abrasion device, the Air-Flow Master Piezon® with erythritol and chlorhexidine powders on implants presenting clinical and radiographic signs of mucositis and peri-implantitis along with renewal of local oral hygiene instructions in order to reduce the inflammation locally by disorganizing and eliminating the biofilm. Follow-up of the patients will be held every 2 months for 6 months by scoring the bleeding on probing, the plaque index and measuring clinical attachment level in order to compare it with the initial measure. At 6 month an X-ray will also enable to compare bone level and mineralization. This initial study will help establish a standardized protocol for peri-implant infection management.