Efficacy of air-polishing in disinfecting implant surfaces. A laboratory study simulating a non-surgical approach.

Sammanfattning: Aim: To evaluate different parameters potentially affecting the efficacy of air-polishing devices in disinfecting implant surfaces in a non-surgical treatment approach of peri-implantitis lesions. Material and method: Altogether, 56 turned and 56 moderately rough implants were coated with a simulated biofilm. The implants were mounted in customized resin models simulating peri-implant 30° bone-defects, 3- and 5-mm deep; soft tissues were simulated with ballistic gelatin. Each implant was cleaned for 30 or 90 seconds in total (6 sites pr. implant; 5 or 15 seconds pr. site) with one of two different air-polishing devices (W&H and EMS). Implants were photographed in three different angulations and the amount of residual biofilm on the implant surface was measured digitally. Beta-regression models were used to assess the outcome. Results: Implant surface, treatment time and air-polishing device significantly affected the amount of residual biofilm. Turned implant surface, longer treatment time, and using the EMS device resulted in significantly less residual biofilm. In the most apical part of the defect, both air-polishing devices performed similarly, however, this was also the area with most biofilm left compared to more coronal aspects. Defect depth had no significant effect.  Conclusion: Superior biofilm removal is achieved at implants with turned surface, and when applying longer treatment time. At the deepest aspect of the defect, implant decontamination is compromised.