Mechanical and biological complications after implantoplasty – A systematic review

Background

Implantoplasty, i.e., the mechanical modification of the implant, including thread removal and surface smoothening, has been proposed during surgical peri-implantitis treatment. Currently, there is no comprehensive appraisal of the literature regarding any potential mechanical and or biological complications after this approach.

Aim/Hypothesis

The aim of the current review was to systematically assess the literature to answer the focused question ìAre there any mechanical and or biological complications due to implantoplasty?î

Material and Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in 3 databases [Medline (PubMed), Scopus (Ovid), and CENTRAL (Ovid)] until 23 09 2018 to assess potential mechanical and or biological complications after implantoplasty. All laboratory, preclinical in vivo, and clinical studies involving implantoplasty were included and any complication potentially related to implantoplasty was recorded and summarized. Kappa scores regarding agreement on the articles to be included in the full-text analysis and those finally chosen were calculated.

Results

Out of 386 titles, 26 publications were included in the present review (6 laboratory, 2 preclinical in vivo, and 18 clinical studies). Kappa scores regarding agreement on the articles to be included in the full-text analysis and those finally chosen were 0.91 and 0.95, respectively (P < 0.001). Laboratory studies have shown that implantoplasty does not result in temperature increase, provided proper cooling is used, but leads in reduced implant strength in ìstandardî dimension implants+ further, preclinical studies have shown titanium particle deposition in the surrounding tissues. Nevertheless, no clinical study has reported any remarkable complication due to implantoplasty+ among 217–291 implants subjected to implantoplasty in the studies identified in this review, no implant fracture was reported during a follow-up of 3 to 126 months, while only a single case of mucosal discoloration, likely due to titanium particle deposition, has been reported.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

Based on all currently available, yet limited, preclinical in vivo and clinical evidence, implantoplasty seems not associated with any remarkable mechanical or biological complications on the short- to medium-term.