Evaluation of the effects of probiotics on the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis – A preliminary randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background New strategies for the treatment prevention of peri-implant diseases are sought, since conventional mechanical treatment may not completely eliminate the disease or prevent its recurrence. The use of probiotics on peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis may represent a significant advance in the treatment of these diseases that affect a large part of the population rehabilitated with dental implants. Aim/Hypothesis The purpose of this study is to evaluate the adjuvant effect of a probiotic therapy on the treatment of peri-implant mucositis. Material and Methods 20 subjects were divided into two experimental groups- Control and Test. In the Control Group, sites with peri-implant mucositis received conventional mechanical debridement associated with topical administration of a placebo preparation. In the Test Group, peri-implant mucositis sites were treated with conventional mechanical therapy associated with topical administration of probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei). Patients in the Test and Control groups also performed mouthwash using the probiotic microorganisms and placebo, respectively, twice a day for 12 weeks. Clinical monitoring was performed at baseline (pre-intervention period) and 12 and 24 weeks after the beginning of the study. Data obtained were statistically analyzed (P < 0.05). Results At baseline, no significant differences were observed between experimental groups in relation to all clinical parameters (modified gingival index – MGI, modified plaque index – MPI, probing depth – PD and bleeding on probing – BOP). Significant improvement in mean values of MGI and BOP was observed in both groups after 12 and 24 weeks (P < 0.05). Test Group presented MGI and BOP values significantly reduced when compared with Control Group at both 12 and 24 weeks (P < 0.05). A significant increase in BOP values from 12 to 24 weeks was observed only in Control Group (P < 0.05). Conclusion and Clinical Implications The use of probiotic therapy as an adjunct to mechanical debridement promoted additional clinical benefits compared with mechanical debridement alone in the treatment of patients with peri-implant mucositis.