Reconstructive Therapy for Peri-implantitis Using Tuberosity Bone with or Without Electrolytic Cleaning: a Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of reconstructive therapy for peri-implantitis using autogenous bone grafts from the tuberosity, with and without the addition of electrolytic cleaning for implant surface decontamination. Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that results in bone loss around dental implants, poses significant challenges for successful long-term management. Traditional treatment methods focus on mechanical decontamination and bone regeneration, but the outcomes have been inconsistent due to difficulties in achieving thorough surface cleaning without damaging the implant.

This study involves patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis who will be randomly assigned to either the control group or the test group. The control group will undergo conventional treatment, which includes mechanical debridement and grafting with autogenous bone harvested from the tuberosity, covered by a resorbable collagen membrane. The test group will receive an additional step of electrolytic cleaning using a novel electrochemical device designed to decontaminate the implant surface without causing structural damage. This method leverages reactive oxygen species to aid in biofilm disruption and removal.

The trial's primary outcome measures include the reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) as well as radiographic assessments of bone regeneration at various time points, up to 12 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported pain levels, surgical site healing, and the overall stability of bone and soft tissue.

Pre-surgical procedures involve thorough oral hygiene protocols, mechanical debridement, and local application of chlorhexidine and antibiotics. Surgical treatment follows standard implant exposure and flap design techniques, with bone grafts obtained from the tuberosity. For the test group, electrolytic cleaning will be performed prior to graft placement. Post-surgical care includes antibiotics, pain management, and specific oral hygiene instructions to ensure optimal healing.

The study seeks to address the hypothesis that incorporating electrolytic cleaning enhances implant surface decontamination, thus improving clinical outcomes and facilitating more predictable bone regeneration. The findings aim to contribute to the growing body of literature on peri-implantitis management and provide evidence for more effective treatment strategies that preserve implant integrity and support long-term success.

Inclusion criteria

Participants aged 18 years or older.

Diagnosed with peri-implantitis, characterized by:

Bleeding on probing (BOP) around dental implants. Probing pocket depths (PPD) greater than 6 mm. Implants in function for over 1 year with progressive bone loss exceeding 3 mm. Initial screening confirmed by panoramic radiographs, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and clinical diagnosis.

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Exclusion criteria

Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions or systemic diseases. Pregnant women. Smokers who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day. Presence of implant mobility. Situations where the removal of the implant suprastructure is not possible.