NCT07550127 · University of Pittsburgh
Peri-implantitis Management: Surgical and Maintenance Outcomes
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how two standard surgical treatments for peri-implantitis affect inflammation around dental implants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive resective surgery with implantoplasty or resective surgery with mechanical debridement only. Participants will provide blood samples before surgery, about 48 hours and 2 weeks after surgery.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how two standard surgical treatments for peri-implantitis affect inflammation around dental implants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive resective surgery with implantoplasty or resective surgery with mechanical debridement only. Participants will provide blood samples before surgery, about 48 hours and 2 weeks after surgery. Participants will also provide a small gum tissue sample and fluid from around the implant at baseline and about 3 months after surgery. Participants will be followed in a maintenance program for up to 5 years.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Resective surgery with implantoplasty
In the implantoplasty group, exposed and accessible titanium implant surfaces will be polished using a resective approach aimed at mechanically reducing macro- and micro-roughness to eliminate bacterial biofilm. No osteoplasty will be performed to avoid unnecessary soft tissue recession. Polishing will be carried out with round diamond burs (30 µm grit; diameters 1.8, 2.3, and 3.5 mm) mounted on a rotary handpiece operating at 15,000 rpm under continuous saline irrigation. The implantoplasty procedure will be standardized to approximately 5 minutes per implant.
PROCEDURE
Resective surgery with mechanical debridement
Hard deposits will be debrided with plastic-tipped universal curettes, and all sites will be irrigated with 20 mL of sterile saline. In the control group, implant surfaces will be decontaminated using submucosal air-polishing with the Airflow Prophylaxis Master device. Copious saline irrigation will be performed prior to implant decontamination. Air-polishing will be carried out using AIR-FLOW powder PLUS, which contains erythritol (sugar alcohol, 14 µm), amorphous silica, and 0.3% chlorhexidine. The device will be set to full power with irrigation. After decontamination, surgical sites will be irrigated thoroughly with sterile saline to remove any residual granulation tissue, titanium debris, or polishing particles
Primary outcome measures
Mean change from baseline in peri-implant probing depth (millimeters)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months post-surgery
Probing depth will be measured to the nearest 1 millimeter at 6 sites per implant (MB, B, DB, ML, L, DL) using a UNC-15 periodontal probe by a calibrated examiner.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- To be enrolled the participant must met the following inclusion criteria:
- Aged 18 or older.
- In good general health, classified as ASA Physical Status I or II.
- Diagnosed with peri-implantitis requiring resective surgical treatment, characterized by: Bleeding on probing (BOP) around dental implants. Probing pocket depths (PPD) greater than 6 mm. Implants in function for over 1 year with progressive bone loss exceeding 3 mm. Initial screening confirmed by panoramic radiographs, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and clinical diagnosis. To be enrolled in the maintenance phase, participants must meet clinical stability criteria at the time of enrollment:
- Probing depth (PD) ≤ 5 mm
- Bleeding on probing (BOP) ≤ 1 point
- Absence of suppuration (SOP)
- Absence of progressive bone loss compared to pre-treatment bone levels
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with autoimmune or systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) that could alter immune cell profiles independent of local peri-implant inflammation.
- Chronic use of systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants within the past 3 months.
- Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \> 7.5%) due to its potential impact on healing and immune response.
- Active infection or antibiotic use in the 30 days prior to baseline sampling.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Inability to undergo venipuncture or tolerate soft tissue biopsy.
- Inability to attend the 3-month follow-up visit or comply with study protocol.
- History of malignancy requiring systemic therapy within the past 5 years.
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations