Comparing ways to clean infected dental implants
Official title: Microbiological Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Surface Decontamination Protocols for Dental Implants Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction Method
Run by University of Zagreb · NCT07529444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test three different cleaning methods to remove bacterial biofilm from bone-level dental implants in healthy, non-smoking adults with peri-implantitis and no vertical bone loss.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zagreb Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zagreb) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07529444 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are non-smoking adults in good general health (ASA I–II) who have at least one viable bone-level implant with peri-implantitis but without vertical bone loss.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with vertical bone loss, tissue-level implants, systemic comorbidities, current smokers, or implants judged unsalvageable are unlikely to benefit from the methods tested here.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Ninety healthy, non-smoking participants with bone-level implants affected by peri-implantitis (but without vertical bone loss) will be randomized to one of three surgical decontamination approaches with 30 implants per group. One group receives photodynamic therapy with a blue laser and riboflavin followed by saline rinse, a second group receives electrolytic cleaning using the GalvoSurge system, and a third group receives chlorhexidine-based decontamination with surgical management including guided bone regeneration as indicated. Microbiological samples will be taken to compare bacterial load and species before and after treatment to determine which method most effectively removes the biofilm. Clinical follow-up will monitor healing, implant stability, and signs of recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the most effective cleaning method could improve the chances of preserving infected implants and lower the risk of recurrent peri-implant infection.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies of photodynamic therapy and electrolytic cleaning have produced promising but mixed results, so this work builds on preliminary evidence rather than on definitive prior success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Systemically healthy patients classified as ASA I (no systemic comorbidities). * Patients who are non-smokers. * Clinical diagnosis of peri-implantitis on a single dental implant per patient. * Implant morphology classified as Monje Class Ia (buccal dehiscence with \<1mm horizontal bone loss) or Monje Class Ib (2-to-3-wall infrabony defect). * Dental implants of either "bone-level" or "tissue-level" design , featuring an exclusively SLA (Sandblasted, Large-grit, Acid-etched) surface in the subcrestal area requiring decontamination. * Implants deemed viable with a favorable perspective for long-term preservation in the dental arch. Exclusion Criteria : * Patients with any systemic comorbidities or those not classified as ASA I. * Patients who are currently smokers. * Presence of more than one implant affected by peri-implantitis in the same patient. * Implants featuring any surface morphology other than SLA (e.g., machined, hydroxyapatite-coated) in the treated subcrestal area. * Bone defect morphology that does not correspond to Monje Class Ia or Ib (e.g., severe horizontal or vertical bone loss outside these parameters). * Implants with a poor prognosis where extraction is indicated.
Where it's running
-
School of Dental Medicine
Zagreb, Croatia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Igor Smojver, DMD;PhD
- Email: ismojver@sfzg.hr
- Phone: 385981651932
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.