Scientific Reports (Dec 2023)

Bioelectric device for effective biofilm inflammation management of dental implants

  • Jihyun Lee,
  • Young Wook Kim

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48205-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Dental implant inflammation is primarily caused by oral biofilms, which form within 8 h, particularly at 37 °C, thereby requiring diligent cleaning. Considering the complex management of dental implants, a novel technology based on the bioelectric effect (BE) to combat inflammation has emerged. A BE-integrated toothbrush was developed and clinically tested on patients with dental implants (N = 36). Our findings revealed a significant average plaque index reduction of 67% with BE technology compared with that at baseline (P 0.05). The bleeding index demonstrated a 59% average reduction in all surfaces with BE technology (P < 0.05), whereas the non-BE group exhibited no significant change. Substantial reductions in total plaque and bleeding indices suggest that using BE toothbrushes can help effectively remove oral biofilms and treat bleeding symptoms.