Bioelectric device for effective biofilm inflammation management of dental implants

Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 4;13(1):21372. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48205-2.

Abstract

Dental implant inflammation is primarily caused by oral biofilms, which form within 8 h, particularly at 37 °C, thereby requiring diligent cleaning. Considering the complex management of dental implants, a novel technology based on the bioelectric effect (BE) to combat inflammation has emerged. A BE-integrated toothbrush was developed and clinically tested on patients with dental implants (N = 36). Our findings revealed a significant average plaque index reduction of 67% with BE technology compared with that at baseline (P < 0.05), whereas non-BE did not yield statistical significance even after 4 weeks of use (P > 0.05). The bleeding index demonstrated a 59% average reduction in all surfaces with BE technology (P < 0.05), whereas the non-BE group exhibited no significant change. Substantial reductions in total plaque and bleeding indices suggest that using BE toothbrushes can help effectively remove oral biofilms and treat bleeding symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms
  • Dental Implants*
  • Dental Plaque Index
  • Equipment Design
  • Gingivitis* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Toothbrushing

Substances

  • Dental Implants