Comparing Cleaning Tools for Full-Arch Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses

Comparison of Cleaning Efficacy of Different Cleaning Aids for Full-arch Implant Supported Fixed Protheses: A Self-controlled Crossover Clinical Trial

For patients with complete edentulism, full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses can effectively restore functions such as mastication, esthetics, and speech. Their long-term clinical outcomes are predictable, and patient satisfaction is generally high. However, the probability of biological complications associated with full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses within 10 years can be as high as 91.2%. Poor oral hygiene and plaque accumulation are important risk factors for these biological complications.

Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the long-term success of full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses. However, the most effective cleaning method remains unclear. Superfloss, interdental brushes, and water floss are commonly used auxiliary cleaning tools, but in vivo studies evaluating their cleaning efficacy are limited. Therefore, a randomized controlled study with a relatively long observation period is needed to better evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of different methods-superfloss, interdental brushes, and water floss-in patients with full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses.

This study adopts a self-controlled, three-phase crossover design. Participants will sequentially use superfloss (S), interdental brushes (I), and a water flosser (W) to clean the surface of full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses. Each cleaning method will be used for three months, after which a follow-up examination will be conducted. The participants will then switch to the second cleaning method, followed by another evaluation after three months. Finally, they will switch to the third cleaning method, and a final examination will be performed after an additional three months, completing the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years;
2. Patients with single-arch or full-arch edentulism / terminal dentition who have completed implant placement and immediate restoration and are scheduled to receive the definitive prosthesis;
3. Patients with good compliance who provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Smoking (≥10 cigarettes per day);
2. Lack of self-care ability and unable to perform prosthesis cleaning independently;
3. Uncontrolled periodontitis in remaining teeth or unstable periodontal condition;
4. Presence of failed implants in the full-arch implant restoration and requiring second implantation.