The effect of adjuvant oral irrigation on self‐administered oral care in the management of peri‐implant mucositis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This single‐blinded randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of adjuvant oral irrigation in addition to self‐administered oral care on prevalence and severity of peri‐implant mucositis. Material & Methods After randomization, patients suffering from peri‐implant mucositis were assigned to the following: Group 1 (control) received oral hygiene instruction following a standardized protocol, including a sub‐ and supramucosal mechanical debridement. Group 2 and 3 additionally were instructed to use an oral irrigator with either water or 0.06% CHX solution. One implant per patient was considered for examination. Clinical examinations included Probing Depth, Bleeding on Probing (BOP‐positive sites), and Modified Plaque and Gingival Index. A surrogate variable (mucositis severity score) was applied measuring severity of disease. Statistical analysis included linear regression models and sensitivity analysis. Results Sixty periodontally healthy patients were examined for presence and severity of peri‐implant mucositis. 70% of all patients reached complete resolution of disease after 12 weeks. The prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis after 12 weeks was 50% in group 1, 35% in group 2, and 5% in group 3. Average BOP‐positive sites were reduced in all groups after 12 weeks (mean change from baseline: group 1: −1.5; group 2: −1.8; group 3: −2.3). Conclusion Within the limits of the study, adjuvant use of an oral irrigator with 0.06% CHX in addition to mechanical biofilm removal and oral hygiene instruction can reduce the presence and severity of peri‐implant mucositis after 12 weeks.