Efficacy of local antibiotic therapy in the treatment of peri-implantitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to state the efficacy of local administration of antibiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis in terms of peri-implant probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction.

Data, sources and study selection: Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted. Screening process was done using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE by PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Oral Health. Included articles were randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Weighted means were calculated. Heterogeneity was determined using Higgins (I2). Due to the encountered heterogeneity between the studies being combined, random-effects models were applied in order to analyze effect sizes. Twelve studies (365 patients and 463 implants) were included in the systematic review. After peri-implantitis treatment with local antibiotics, PPD was reduced 1.40 mm (95% confidence interval: 0.82-1.98). When local antibiotics were applied, a 0.30 mm higher reduction of PPD was obtained than in the control group (95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.53). BoP attained an odds ratio value of 1.82 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.04), indicating that the likehood of bleeding is almost two-fold when antibiotics are not locally administrated. Adverse effects were not found after applying local antibiotics.

Conclusions: The local antibiotic administration does reduce, without adverse effects, both peri-implant probing depths and bleeding on probing in patients affected by peri-implantitis, if compared to control groups without local antibiotic application.

Clinical significance: Patients with dental implants frequently suffer from peri-implantitis. Clinical features of peri-implantitis lesions include the presence of bleeding on probing and increased peri-implant probing depths. Both BoP and PPD have become reduced after local administration of antibiotics.

Keywords: Anti-bacterial agents; Bleeding on probing; Peri-implantitis; Probing pocket depth.