A Comparison of the Efficacy of Interdental Floss to Water Flosser Around Dental Implants

A Comparison of the Efficacy of Interdental Floss to Water Flosser Around Dental Implants in Maintenance Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The primary objective of this study was to compare two different interproximal devices, water flosser and dental floss around implants in several clinical parameters

This study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial in a single center. All clinical measurements were taken by a single blinded investigator (Periodontal Resident) while a single dental hygienist was responsible for prophylaxis and delivery of oral hygiene instructions to the study participants. At each appointment 5 clinical parameters were recorded: Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS) and Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHI) of the implants after the use of a disclosing solution, Probing Depth (PD), Bleeding on Probing (BOP) of the study implants recorded at 6 sites (distobuccal, mid-buccal, mesiobuccal, distolingual, mid-lingual and mesiolingual) using a UNC 12 Colorvue probe and the width of the keratinized tissue (KT) at the buccal surface of the study implants. Randomization between the 2 groups was achieved using computerized randomization scheme (https://en.calc-site.com/randoms/grouping).

Group A (control): patients were instructed to floss with TePe Bridge and Implant Floss once a day, preferably at nighttime.

Group B (test): patients were provided with Waterpik Water Flosser and instructed to water floss around the implant once a day, preferably at nighttime.

During each appointment the study investigator measured clinical parameters and participants received oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) by a single dental hygienist. Once the study was concluded patients were asked to fill-out a 2 question questionnaire inquiring how much they liked their interproximal device and how easy it was to be used in a scale 1 to 5.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients that present with at least a single implant with a screw-retained crown
• Patients with general good health that do not have a condition contra-indicating routine dental treatment
• Patients that are compliant with the research protocol and methods
• Patients that have read, understood and signed the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with implants with cemented crowns
• Patients with any contact hypersensitivity to the related materials used in the study
• Tobacco users (vaping included)
• Patients unwilling to sign the informed consent form or follow the protocol of the study