Network meta-analysis of the treatment efficacy of different lasers for peri-implantitis

A randomised clinical trial comparing a surgical approach for treatment of peri-implantitis to non-surgical debridement with adjunctive diode laser therapy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of non-surgical debridement with repeated diode laser application in comparison to surgical treatment for management of peri-implantitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis were randomised into two groups. The test group received mechanical debridement and repeated diode laser therapy at Days 0, 7 and 14. The control group received mechanical debridement at Day 0 followed by surgical treatment at Day 14. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-six participants (test n = 17, control n = 19) completed the 12-month observation period. Laser treatment failed in 4 cases (23.5%); of which 3 implants lost osseointegration and one necessitated surgical treatment due to progressively increasing probing depths (PD) and bone loss. In comparison, the control group showed a 100% survival rate with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.04). Therefore, thirty-two participants were examined at the final evaluation (test n = 13, control n = 19). Twenty-two implants (57.9%) showed complete disease resolution without significant differences between the groups. The test group reported significantly lower post-operative discomfort on the visual analogue scale (VAS). At 3 months, both groups showed clinical signs of healing with reduction in probing depths (PD) and bleeding upon probing. Surgical treatment resulted in significantly lower PDs (control 3.7 mm [3.2, 4.0], test 4.5 mm [3.8, 4.8]), but recession was significantly higher (control 0.5 mm [0.3, 1.2], test 0 mm [0.0, 0.3]). At the final reevaluation, PD values remained significantly lower in the control group; 3.3 mm [3.1, 3.9] compared to 4.3 mm [3.7, 4.8] for the test group, but the difference in mucosal recession fell below the level of significance. Marginal bone levels improved after one year without significant differences between the two groups (Test = 3.5 mm [2.8, 4.6] at baseline and 1.5 mm [1.0, 4.4] at one year, Control = 2.8 mm [2.5, 3.1] at baseline and 1.4 mm [1.0, 2.6] at one year).

CONCLUSION

Surgical approaches for management of peri-implantitis demonstrated significant benefits over laser therapy in terms of treatment success and PD reduction. Nevertheless, diode laser therapy, as described in this study, could represent a minimally invasive alternative for treatment of non-advanced peri-implantitis defects.

Peri-Implantitis-Associated Microbiota before and after Peri-Implantitis Treatment, the Biofilm "Competitive Balancing" Effect: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

This systematic review of RCTs aimed to characterize short- and long-term changes in peri-implantitis-associated microbiota (total biofilm microbial load and predominant pathogens' counts) following (any) peri-implantitis treatment in systemically healthy, non-smoking, partially/totally edentulous adults. The study protocol, compliant with the PRISMA statement, was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024514521) before the literature search. Data from 11 RCTs, assessed through the ROBINS-2 tool, were qualitatively synthesized. No data were retrieved on total edentulism, healthy peri-implant/periodontal sites, treated mucositis, gingivitis, and periodontitis sites. Shortly after treatment, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Peptostreptococcus micros prevailed, indicating early colonization, as after implant placement. After both surgical and non-surgical approaches, although not eradicated, the peri-implant total biofilm load, red- and orange-complex species, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans counts generally decreased for up to about three months. However, one month after treatment, red-complex species and Prevotella intermedia increased, likely due to persistent tissue-invasive bacteria, unresolved pathological conditions (high probing depth values) favoring anaerobiosis and dysbiosis, and a qualitatively and quantitatively decreased biofilm community, competing and balancing the predominant pathogens (biofilm "competitive balancing" effect), thus allowing recolonization by more virulent bacteria. Red-complex bacteria gradually leveled off to baseline at the six- and twelve-month follow-ups. Fusobacterium nucleatum remained almost unchanged after treatment.

Analysis of Peri-Implantitis Photothermal Therapy Effect According to Laser Irradiation Location and Angle: A Numerical Approach

In recent years, dental implants have become increasingly popular around the world. However, if the implant is not properly managed, inflammation may occur, and the implant itself may need to be removed. Peri-implantitis is a common inflammation that occurs in dental implants, and various laser treatments have recently been studied to eliminate it. In this study, the situation of removing peri-implantitis using photothermal therapy, one of the various laser treatments, was analyzed theoretically and numerically. The temperature distribution in the tissue for various laser irradiation locations, angles, and power was calculated based on heat transfer theory, and the degree of thermal damage to tissue was analyzed using the Arrhenius damage integral. In addition, the thermally damaged region ratio of inflamed and normal tissue was analyzed using the Arrhenius thermal damage ratio and normal tissue Arrhenius thermal damage ratio to confirm the trend of treatment results for each treatment condition. The results of the study showed that if only the thermal damage to the inflamed tissue is considered, the laser should be angled vertically, and the laser should be applied to the center of the inflamed tissue rather than close to the implant. However, if the thermal damage to the surrounding normal tissue is also considered, it was found that the laser should be applied at 1.0 mm from the right end of the inflamed tissue for maximum effect. This will allow for more accurate clinical treatment of peri-implantitis in the future.

Evaluation of the effect of adjunctive diode laser application on peri-implant crevicular fluid biomarker levels: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess both the clinical and immunological effectiveness of diode laser therapy when used as an adjunct to non-surgical mechanical therapy in managing peri-implantitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of 27 participants, comprising 21 females and 6 males, agreed to take part in this investigation. 37 dental implants with peri-implantitis diagnosis were randomly allocated to either the laser group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 18). Evaluation of peri-implant clinical parameters and collection peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples occurred at baseline, as well as at 3 and 6-month follow-up intervals. The level of various biomarkers (TWEAK, IL-1β, sclerostin, IL-17, RANKL, OPG and IL-10) within the PICF were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Significant time-dependent decreases in clinical and biochemical parameters were detected in both groups compared to the baseline. There were marked differences between the groups in terms of periodontal parameters, except probing depth, and IL-1β, IL-17, sclerostin levels in PICF at 3rd month follow-up. However, no statistically significant difference was detected at 6th month.

CONCLUSIONS

Diode laser seems to be a reliable tool as an adjunct for supporting the nonsurgical mechanical treatment during the early stages of peri-implantitis. Furthermore, the findings suggest that IL-17, sclerostin and IL-1β may serve as promising biomarkers for assessing efficacy of peri-implantitis treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Based on these outcomes, clinicians may consider the application of adjunctive use of diode laser to non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment to achieve better clinical and immunological improvements than nonsurgical peri-implantitis therapy alone in just early healing period. However, it should be noted that there was no difference between the two methods in the long term.

Efficacy of a Solution Containing 33% Trichloroacetic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide in Decontaminating Machined vs. Sand-Blasted Acid-Etched Titanium Surfaces

This in vitro study assessed the efficacy of a solution containing 33% trichloroacetic acid (CCl3COOH; TCA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in decontaminating machined (MAC) and sand-blasted acid-etched (SBAE) titanium surfaces. A total of 80 titanium disks were prepared (40 MAC and 40 SBAE). Streptococcus sanguinis and Enterococcus faecalis strains were incubated on 36 samples, while the remaining 44 were kept as controls. Roughness analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the surface features before and after TCAH2O2 treatment. The viability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) after TCAH2O2 decontamination was assessed with a chemiluminescent assay along with cell morphology through fluorescent staining. TCAH2O2 preserved the surface topography of MAC and SBAE specimens. It also effectively eradicated bacteria on both types of specimens without altering the surface roughness (p > 0.05). Also, no significant differences in protein adsorption between the pristine and TCAH2O2-treated surfaces were found (p = 0.71 and p = 0.94). While ASC proliferation remained unchanged on MAC surfaces, a decrease was observed on the decontaminated SBAE specimens at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05), with no difference at 72 h (p > 0.05). Cell morphology showed no significant changes after 72 h on both surface types even after decontamination. This study suggests TCAH2O2 as a promising decontamination agent for titanium surfaces, with potential implications for peri-implant health and treatment outcomes.

Methodological quality of network meta-analysis in dentistry: a meta-research

This meta-research aimed to provide an overview of the methodological quality and risk of bias of network meta-analyses (NMA) in dentistry. Searches for NMA of randomized clinical trials with clinical outcomes in dentistry were performed in databases up to January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, selected full texts, and extracted the data. The adherence to PRISMA-NMA reporting guideline, the AMSTAR-2 methodological quality tool, and the ROBIS risk of bias tool were assessed in the studies. Correlation between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results was also investigated. Sixty-two NMA studies were included and presented varied methodological quality. According to AMSTAR-2, half of the NMA presented moderate quality (n = 32; 51.6%). The adherence to PRISMA-NMA also varied. Only 36 studies (58.1%) prospectively registered the protocol. Other issues lacking of reporting were data related were data related to the NMA geometry and the assessment of results consistency, and the evaluation of risk of bias across the studies. ROBIS assessment showed a high risk of bias mainly for domains 1 (study eligibility criteria) and 2 (identification and selection of studies). Correlation coefficients between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results showed moderate correlation (rho < 0.6). Overall, NMA studies in dentistry were of moderate quality and at high risk of bias in several domains, especially study selection. Future reviews should be better planned and conducted and have higher compliance with reporting and quality assessment tools.

Efficacy of surgical methods for peri-implantitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peri-implantitis is the most difficult biological complication associated with dental implants, often requiring surgical treatments in advanced stages. This study compares the effectiveness of different surgical methods for peri-implantitis.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of different surgical treatments for peri-implantitis were extracted from EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and PubMed systematically. Pairwise comparisons and network meta-analyses (NMA) were conducted to analyze the effect of surgical treatments on probing depth (PD), radiographic bone fill (RBF), mucosal recession (MR), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL). In addition, risk of bias, quality of evidence, and statistical heterogeneity of the selected studies were evaluated. A total of 13 articles were included in this study, involving open flap debridement (OFD), resective therapy (RT), and augmentative therapy (AT) with and without adjunctive treatments (laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, local antibiotics, phosphoric acid, and ozone therapy).

RESULTS

AT improved RBF and CAL more than OFD, but does not outperform OFD in reducing peri-implant soft-tissue inflammation. AT, OFD and RT did not significantly alter the levels of MR. Addition of ozone therapy improved the effect of AT, but addition of photodynamic therapy did not affect PD reduction and CAL gain significantly. Similarly, adjuvant treatment with phosphoric acid during RT did not significantly change the outcome of BOP.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitation of this systematic review and NMA, AT was superior to OFD in improving peri-implantitis outcomes. While adjunct use of ozone therapy may further improve the efficacy of AT, the limited evidence supporting this combination therapy argues for cautionary interpretation of these results.

Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis Using a Combined Nd: YAG and Er: YAG Laser Approach: Investigation of Clinical and Bone Loss Biomarkers

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of the combined Nd-Er: YAG laser on the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis by evaluating clinical markers and biomarkers of bone loss (RANKL/OPG). Twenty (20) patients having at least 1 implant diagnosed with peri-implantitis were randomly assigned to two groups for surgical treatment. In the test group (n = 10), Er: YAG laser was used for granulation tissue removal and implant surface decontamination, while Nd: YAG laser was employed for deep tissue decontamination and biomodulation. In the control group (n = 10), an access flap was applied, and mechanical instrumentation of the implant surface was performed by using titanium curettes. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and six months after treatment: Full-mouth Plaque Score (FMPS), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Probing Attachment Levels (PAL), recession (REC), and Bleeding on probing (BoP). Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was collected at baseline and six months for the evaluation of soluble RANKL and OPG utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Baseline clinical values were similar for both groups, with no statistical differences between them. The study results indicated statistically significant improvements in the clinical parameters during the 6-month observation period in both groups. More specifically, PPD, PAL, and REC were improved in the test and control groups with no differences in the between-groups comparisons. However, a greater reduction in the BoP-positive sites was noted for the laser group (Mean change 22.05 ± 33.92 vs. 55.00 ± 30.48, p = 0.037). The baseline and six-month comparisons of sRANKL and OPG revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The combined Nd: YAG—Er: YAG laser surgical therapy of peri-implantitis seemed to lead to more favorable improvements in regard to bleeding on probing six months after treatment compared to the conventional mechanical decontamination of the implant surface. None of the methods was found superior in the modification of bone loss biomarkers (RANKL, OPG) six months after treatment.

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a side-firing tip on decontamination of titanium disc surface: an in vitro and in vivo study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser with side-firing tip in decontamination of titanium (Ti) disc.

METHODS

In the first test series, 29 Ti-discs were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and treated as follows: positive control (no treatment); Perioflow; Laser A (0.75 W, 100 Hz), Laser B (1.5 W, 30 Hz); Laser C (no radiation, 60% water); and Laser D (no radiation, 50% water). For bacterial quantification, colony forming units (CFU, vital cells only) and quantitative PCR (qPCR, vital and devital cells) were performed. In a second test series, 92 Ti-discs were used, contaminated with in vivo-grown biofilm and treated as follows: positive control (no treatment); Perioflow; Laser E (1.5 W, 30 Hz), and Laser F (no radiation, 50% water). Considering the different and unknown culture conditions, quantification of bacteria was performed by broad-spectrum bacterial qPCR only. Based on the assumption that all cells of an organism contain an equivalent complement of genetic information, genome equivalent (GE) determination ensured the detection of the different intact and semi-intact genomes, regardless of type of bacterial species and vitality, circumvent the inherent bias of cultures.

RESULTS

The GE values were significantly reduced by all interventions in both test series, compared to the positive control group (p < 0.001). In the first test series with S. aureus as model organism, Perioflow yielded a lower GE than the Laser groups A-D (all p < 0.025). The number of CFUs was significantly reduced in the intervention groups compared to the positive control (p < 0.001), except for Laser A (p = 0.157) and Laser D (p = 0.393). In the second test series, none of the pairwise comparisons of the intervention conditions showed a significant difference (Perioflow vs. Laser E: p = 0.732; Perioflow vs. Laser F: p = 0.590; Laser E vs. Laser F: p = 0.379).

CONCLUSION

The Er,Cr:YSGG laser with side-firing tip and Perioflow were equally capable of effectively decontaminating a Ti-disc surface. It is assumed that the bacterial reduction was largely due to the mechanical effect of the air and water stream.

Clinical Outcomes of Enamel Matrix Derivate Used in Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

Background and objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the available evidence of using enamel matrix derivate in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Materials and methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched until August 2022 to identify relevant articles. The inclusion criteria consisted in human clinical studies that reported the use of enamel matrix derivate (EMD) in surgical and non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and for non-RCTs ROBINS-I tool. Results: Clinical studies included were published between 2012 and 2022 and consisted of two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for non-surgical therapy and two RCTs, three prospective cohort studies, and one retrospective case series in surgical therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of patients' characteristics and assessment of peri-implant therapy, statistical analysis could not be achieved. Conclusions: The use of EMD indicated a positive effect on both surgical and non-surgical therapy. However, the available literature is scarce, with low evidence in non-surgical approach and modest evidence in surgical approach using EMD. More RCTs with standardize protocols are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of using EMD in both therapies.

Efficacy of Er:YAG laser for the peri-implantitis treatment and microbiological changes: a randomized controlled trial

The aims of this study were to identify the microbiological changes in the periodontal pockets following an Er:YAG laser (ERL) irradiation and mechanical debridement to compare the effectiveness of ERL irradiation to mechanical debridement for peri-implantitis treatment through randomized controlled trials. Twenty-three patients with peri-implantitis lesions were treated in either a test group, ERL set at energy level of 100 mJ/pulse, frequency of 10 Hz, pulse duration was 100 µs, and irradiated by three passages, or a control group, with mechanical debridement using an ultrasonic scaler. An examiner measured the following clinical parameters at different stages (a baseline and at 3- and 6-month post-treatment): probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), marginal bone loss (MBL), and anaerobic bacteria counts. Linear regression, with generalized estimation equations, was used to compare the clinical parameters and anaerobic bacterial counts at different stages and between groups. The anaerobic bacterial counts significantly decreased within the control group during the follow-ups. At the 6-month follow-up, both groups showed a significant reduction in PD (test group: mean difference of 0.84 mm; control group: mean difference of 0.41 mm), and the test group showed a significantly higher PD reduction on the buccal site (1.31 mm) compared to that of the control group (0.25 mm). Both ERL and mechanical debridement treatments led to significant improvements in PD. When mechanical debridement therapy was used, significant anaerobic bacterial count reductions were observed. Future treatment of peri-implantitis should involve a combination of both of these therapies.