Zirconia Glaze Removal and Polish for Peri-Implant Mucositis

Overseen By Daniel Su, DMD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Manitoba

Must not be taking: Antibiotics

Disqualifiers: Heavy smokers, Uncontrolled diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial seeks a better treatment for gum inflammation around dental implants, known as peri-implant mucositis. It compares two methods: removing and polishing the glaze on the crown (the visible part of the implant) and superficially cleaning the crown. Participants should have had a zirconia implant crown for at least a year, with inflammation persisting despite recent cleanings. Interested individuals will attend four appointments for check-ups and treatment. This trial may suit those experiencing persistent gum inflammation around implants despite regular dental care. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative dental care solutions.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have used systemic antibiotics in the last 2 weeks, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this method is safe for treating peri-implant mucositis?

Research has shown that zirconia ceramics, commonly used in dental treatments, are generally safe for people. This material is highly compatible with living tissues, meaning it integrates well with them. Studies have found that glazing and polishing zirconia do not harm the soft tissues around implants. This suggests that removing the glaze and polishing the crown, as done in Group A, is likely safe. Overall, zirconia treatments like these are well-tolerated, with no major negative effects reported in previous research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a novel approach to addressing peri-implant mucositis. Unlike standard treatments that typically involve antimicrobial rinses or mechanical cleaning, this approach involves physically modifying the implant crown by removing its zirconia glaze and polishing it. The idea is that this modification could reduce plaque accumulation and inflammation around the implant, potentially improving oral health outcomes. This technique could offer a fresh, non-invasive alternative that directly targets the surface characteristics of the implant crown, which might enhance the long-term success of dental implants.

What evidence suggests that zirconia glaze removal and polish could be effective for peri-implant mucositis?

Research has shown that smoothing zirconia surfaces can reduce bacterial build-up, which is crucial for preventing gum inflammation around dental implants, known as peri-implant mucositis. Smoother surfaces are less likely to attract and retain bacteria. Peri-implant mucositis affects many individuals with implants, with studies indicating it can impact up to 43% of patients. In this trial, one group will undergo crown modification with glaze removal and polishing of the implant crown, while another group will have no intervention, with the crown being removed and superficially cleaned. Removing the glaze and polishing the surface might help prevent this condition by making it harder for bacteria to adhere. This approach is still under study, but it appears promising because it directly addresses the problem. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Chrysi Stavropoulou, DDS, MDent(Perio)

Principal Investigator

University of Manitoba

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with peri-implant mucositis, which is gum inflammation around dental implants. Participants should have this condition but not the more severe peri-implantitis affecting bone. They must be available for four appointments and willing to follow oral hygiene instructions.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a zirconia implant crown for over a year with healthy gums around it.

Exclusion Criteria

I have gaps between my teeth.

My diabetes is not under control (HbA1C over 7.0%).

Cemented crown

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive either crown glaze removal and polish or superficial cleaning of the implant crown

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Short-term Follow-up

Participants are monitored for short-term effectiveness of the treatment

8-10 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Long-term Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term effectiveness of the treatment

12-13 months

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Zirconia Glaze Removal and Polish

Trial Overview The study compares two treatments: Group A receives crown cleaning plus glaze removal and polishing under the gums; Group B gets only crown cleaning. Both groups will receive mechanical debridement and customized oral hygiene advice.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Crown modification with glaze removal and polish of implant crown

Group II: Group B Active Control 1 Intervention

No intervention will be applied. The crown will be removed and superficially cleaned

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Manitoba

Lead Sponsor

Trials

628

Recruited

209,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-mucositis-10-2024-69beb

Zirconia Glaze Removal and Polish for Peri-Implant Mucositis Research suggests that enhancing the smoothness of zirconia surfaces can reduce bacterial adhesion, which is important in preventing peri-implant mucositis from ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9140356/

Evaluation of Adjuvant Systems in Non-Surgical Peri-Implant ... According to these data reported in the literature, peri- implant mucositis affects 43% of patients, variable in a range from 19 to 65%.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002817725004970

Systematic Review Efficacy of supportive peri-implant ... Results of studies indicate that up to 80% of patients with implants may develop mucositis; approximately 20% eventually progress to peri- ...

4. jada.ada.org jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(25)00497-0/fulltext

Efficacy of supportive peri-implant therapy in ... In our systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of SPiT in reducing the progression of peri-implant diseases ...

5. jdat.org jdat.org/data/upload/Article-195-20250627120636.pdf

Effectiveness of Air Polishing in Managing Peri-Implant ... Glycine powder air polishing and erythritol powder air polishing have gained prominence in peri-implantitis treatment.In vitrostudies suggest ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12575062/

Health of peri-implant soft tissues adjacent to glazed or ... Both glazing and polishing are suitable surface treatments for monolithic zirconia and do not adversely affect peri-implant soft tissue health ...

7. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/5fccdc70ef8560ea/nct06619158-zirconia-glaze-removal-peri-implant-mucositis

Effectiveness of Zirconia Glaze Removal and Polish in the ... The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of crown glaze removal and subsequent polishing in addition to mechanical debridement compared ...

8. m.jap.or.kr m.jap.or.kr/pdf/10.4047/jap.2025.17.5.259

Health of peri-implant soft tissues adjacent to glazed or ... For each monolithic zirconia crown, the glazed or polished surfaces were randomized to the mesial and distal sides. Either the mesial or the distal side.

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/2/129

Peri-Implant Soft Tissue in Contact with Zirconium/Titanium ... In experimental mucositis conditions, zirconia implants showed significantly lower plaque and bleeding scores [17]. In a further study, the gingival biopsy was ...