Review Examines Efficacy of Dental Hygiene Instruments on Dental Implant Debridement

A recent study published in Cureus conducted a literature review that evaluated bacterial colonization on dental implants following the use of different hygiene instruments. The study considered a total of 19 articles published between 2012 and 2022, encompassing in vitro and in vivo studies, including randomized controlled trials and clinical trials. The review found that while titanium curets effectively reduced bacterial colonization on treated surfaces, they created deep scratches that may increase surface roughness, creating niches for biofilm to colonize. The use of air polishing with glycine powder was found to be effective in reducing bacterial adhesion, and it received positive results in terms of plaque reduction. Air polishing with sodium bicarbonate was also effective, but its efficiency varied depending on the type of implant surface. An ultrasonic scaler with a plastic tip produced mixed results, while rubber cup polishing demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Er: YAG and Er, Cr: YSGG lasers were found to be effective in reducing bacterial contamination on implant surfaces. The study concluded that there is no single “gold standard” instrument for treating peri-implant diseases. The review also emphasized the importance of selecting instruments that effectively remove plaque while avoiding damage to the implant surface. Click here to read more.