Use of TiBrush for surface decontamination at peri-implantitis sites in dogs: Radiographic and histological outcomes.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy on the healing of mechanical decontamination of infected implant surfaces performed with a titanium brush. Mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally in six dogs. After 3months, two unsubmerged implants were installed on both sides of the mandible. Three months later, peri-implantitis was induced with ligatures for 3months and then removed. After 1month, surgical mechanical decontamination of the surfaces was performed either with a rotatory titanium brush or gauzes soaked in saline. Five month later, biopsies were retrieved. Evaluations on X-rays taken of the mesiodistal plane and on histological slides prepared in a buccal-lingual plane were performed. After the induction of peri-implantitis, a mean marginal bone loss of 2.6±0.6mm and 1.9±1.0mm was observed in the brush and gauze groups by X-ray, respectively. Five months after treatment, a mean gain of marginal bone of 0.6mm was obtained in both groups. The mean closures of the vertical and horizontal defects were 0.6mm and 0.6mm for the brush group, and 0.8mm and 0.5mm for the gauze group, respectively. Histologically, a loss of attachment at the buccal aspect of 2.2±0.9mm in the brush group and of 2.3±0.5mm in the gauze group was found. No statistically-significant differences were found after the treatment. Mechanical implant surface decontamination performed with a rotatory titanium brush resulted in a marginal bone level gain, yielding a low content of inflammatory infiltrate close to the marginal bone.