Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this five-year follow-up study was to investigate the clinical and radiologic status of implants that had undergone abutment disinfection immediately prior to prosthetic loading (PL) using plasma of argon (PA) or 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel. PATIENTS AND METHODSSixty patients who had had an implant-supported prosthesis fitted at least five years previously were recruited for this study. In groups 1, 2, and 3, implant abutment disinfection was performed using PA, 0.2% CHX, and a vapor protocol, respectively. Modified plaque index (mPI), modified bleeding index (mBI), probing depth (PD), and mesial and distal crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured. A questionnaire on routine oral hygiene, smoking habits, and systemic health status was also administered. Sample size estimation was performed, and group comparisons were made. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTSGroup 1, 2, and 3 included 20 (20 implants) patients each. At five-year's follow-up, there was no difference in mBI, mPI, and PD in all groups. There was no significant difference in peri-implant CBL in all patients. None of the patients were immunosuppressed or had periodontal disease, and or had used nicotinic products within the past five years. Toothbrushing twice daily was reported by at least 90% of individuals in all groups. Flossing of interproximal spaces once daily was reported by at minimum 60% of individuals in all groups. CONCLUSIONSDisinfection of implant abutments directly before PL can be performed using AP, or 0.2% CHX gel.