Leoluca Valeriani*; Marco Montevecchi; Leonardo Bellanova; Giovanni Zucchelli

Division of Periodontology and Implantology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, School of Dentistry, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Background: Implant-prosthetic reconstructions present anatomical and structural characteristics different from the dento-periodontal condition. These differences can lead to a problematic hygienic access by toothbrush bristles and a consequently reduced biofilm removal.

Aim/Hypothesis: The aim of this preclinical study was to compare the ability of the conical and cylindrical bristles to penetrate the peri-implant sulcus.

Material and Methods: A mandibular dentition was reproduced using a plaster model: the gingival component was recreated in silicone and a glass cylinder was positioned simulating a 4 mm diameter implant. The penetration of the bristles during brushing was recorded by using an optical fiber placed inside the cylinder. The Bass Technique was performed in a humid environment from the vestibular side. This brushing motion is described as a vibratory movement of the bristles oriented at 45° respect to the long axis of the tooth into the sulcus. The protocol included 5 toothbrushes per group and 10 tests per toothbrush, for a total of 50 assessments for each of the two groups. Each test lasted 1 minute with controlled pressure of approximately 350gr and a stroke length of 25 mm. Five degrees of penetration were identified: grade 0 (<2 mm), grade 1 (2–3 mm), grade 2 (3–4 mm), grade 3 (4–5 mm) and grade 4 (5–8 mm). The highest value was collected for each test.

Results: The conical bristles showed 8 times greater efficacy (P = 0.001) than the cylindrical bristles (multilevel analysis). The percentage of tests reaching depths ≥3 mm was 86% for conical group and 28% for the cylindrical group.

Conclusion and Clinical implications: This preclinical study shows a clear and superior penetration capacity of the conical bristles compared to traditional cylindrical ones. Further studies are required to investigate the correlation between penetrative capacity and cleaning efficacy in implant conditions. If a greater penetrative capacity is correlated with a greater cleaning efficacy, then these newly designed bristles would be preferable.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.

Keywords: dental implants