Chitosan brush for professional removal of plaque in mild peri-implantitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a chitosan brush on the treatment of mild peri-implantitis. METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with mild peri-implantitis contributing with single implant were treated with a chitosan brush. Modified plaque index (mPll), Modified Bleeding Index (mBoP) and probing depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline, 2, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. Chitosan brush was used at 12 weeks if diagnosis was still present. Periapical radiographs were taken at the beginning of the study and 6 months after to control the stability of bone level. RESULTS: None of the patients reported discomfort or side effects during treatment. Bone level was maintained stable during the entire study. Plaque index remained almost 0 at every control visit. PPD and mBoP were significantly reduced at 2 weeks and when compared to baseline. At 24 weeks 73% of patients presented no further bleeding on probing with stable bone level. CONCLUSIONS: Chitosan brush could be a reliable instrument for the professionally administered plaque removal and resolution of clinical signs of initial stages of peri-implant inflammation.