Clinical outcomes and associated factors in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis, combining mechanical debridement and prosthesis modification: a 30-month follow-up prospective case series

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcome and the associated factors of a treatment protocol for peri-implant mucositis. Materials and Methods: Patients were evaluated 30 months after a treatment protocol including professional mechanical debridement and modification of the prosthesis contours to improve access for biofilm control. Clinical performance was assessed by means of probing with an electronic pressure-calibrated periodontal probe. The possible impact of implant- and patient-level factors on the changes in peri-implant mucosal inflammation measured with the modified bleeding index (mBI) was evaluated. Results: Twenty patients and 61 implants were included in the analysis. At the final visit, 50% of the patients presented bleeding on probing, with a mean mBI of 0.22 (SD 0.27). The adjusted linear regression model showed a significant association between patient's compliance with supportive care visits (p = .006) and mucosal inflammation. Similarly, at the implant level, modified plaque index (p < .001) and an irregular use of interdental brushes (p = .017) had a significant impact on final mBI. Conclusions: Prosthesis modification when needed in association with non-surgical treatment may be an important intervention in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis. Compliance with supportive care visits and the regular use of inter-dental brushes were identified as important factors to achieve mucosal inflammation control.