Adjunctive effect of modifying the implant-supported prosthesis in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis

Aim To evaluate the adjunctive effect of modifying the implant-supported prosthesis to facilitate access to oral hygiene when treating peri-implant mucositis. Material and methods A 6-month randomized clinical trial was designed. Patients with peri-implant mucositis were treated by implant surface debridement with plastic curettes and a plastic tipped ultrasonic device. Then, they were randomly assigned to either modifying their prosthesis to allow for better oral hygiene (test group) or not (control group). Subsequently in both groups, individualized oral hygiene instructions were provided. Clinical and radiographical outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Results 48 patients were included, and 45 completed the clinical trial (24 test and 21 control patients). After 6 months, changes in the modified bleeding index between the control and test groups were 0.50 (standard deviation -SD = 0.70) and 1.14 (SD = 0.96), respectively (p = 0.01). The changes in implant probing pocket depth at 6 months were -0.02 (SD = 0.61) and 0.31 (SD = 1.20) mm, respectively (p = 0.04). Conclusions Modifying the contour of the prostheses to improve access for oral hygiene significantly improved the clinical outcomes after standard mechanical treatment of peri-implant mucositis.