Clinical Research Directory

Diagnostic Accuracy of Large Language Models for Peri-Implant Marginal Bone Loss on Panoramic Radiographs

Dental implants are a routine treatment for missing teeth, but the number of implants affected by peri-implantitis, a progressive inflammatory disease of the tissues around implants, is increasing. The main radiographic sign of peri-implantitis is marginal bone loss around the implant. Early detection and correct grading of this bone loss in proportion to implant length are important for treatment planning and prognosis. Panoramic radiographs are widely used for general screening in dental practice, but judging bone loss on them is subjective, time-consuming and depends on the clinician's experience. Multimodal large language models (vision-language models) are increasingly able to interpret images, yet their ability to evaluate peri-implant bone loss on panoramic radiographs has not been tested. This single-center, retrospective, observational diagnostic accuracy study will evaluate how accurately five publicly available large language models (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, DeepSeek and Grok) detect and grade peri-implant marginal bone loss on anonymized, cropped panoramic radiographs of functionally loaded dental implants, compared with a reference standard established by three blinded clinicians (two periodontologists and one oral and maxillofacial radiologist). Bone loss will be graded with the Froum and Rosen (2012) classification: Score 0 (no visible bone loss), Score 1 (\<25% of implant length), Score 2 (25-50%) and Score 3 (\>50%). Approximately 784 implant sites (392 with and 392 without marginal bone loss) from existing panoramic radiographs in the hospital archive will be included. No new radiographs will be taken, no patient will be contacted and no treatment will be given; informed consent has been waived by the ethics committee. All images will be fully anonymized before evaluation.

Access to Probing and Peri-implant Diseases

This multicenter cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the association between access to peri-implant probing and radiographic peri-implant bone loss. Although probing is the primary diagnostic tool for peri-implant diseases, prosthetic design may limit access, potentially affecting diagnosis and disease progression. The study will include patients with dental implants in function for at least three years and will assess clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic variables.

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization in Peri-implant Health and Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by plaque-associated inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone around dental implants, which may ultimately lead to implant failure if left untreated. It has been demonstrated that cellular and molecular responses of the host immune defense system play a critical role in the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis. Macrophages are key cells in the host immune response and are generally classified into two phenotypes: pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2). While M1 macrophages are actively involved in the early defense response, a shift toward the M2 phenotype is required for the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. Smoking has been shown to adversely affect macrophage polarization and function, thereby exacerbating inflammatory responses. Therefore, in the present study, levels of soluable CD163 (sCD163), B cell activating factor (BAFF), tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-34 (IL-34), interleukin-35 (IL-35), and arginase activity (ornithine levels) will be evaluated in peri-implant health and peri-implantitis patients with varying disease severity and different smoking statuses. In addition, a comprehensive proteomic analysis will be performed to investigate the relationships among peri-implantitis severity, smoking, and macrophage polarization-related molecules. Baseline periodontal and peri-implant parameters will be recorded for all participants. In the peri-implant health group, tissue samples will be collected during exposure surgery performed for submerged implants, after which participants will be enrolled in supportive peri-implant care. Participants diagnosed with peri-implantitis will receive non-surgical therapy, during which tissue samples will be collected. Periodontal and peri-implant parameters will be reassessed for all participants at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks. Healthy peri-implant samples will be collected from submerged implants during exposure surgery. Peri-implantitis samples (probable pocket depth ≥ 6 mm with bleeding on probing) will be obtained during non-surgical therapy using a single stroke along the pocket wall.

Long-term Stability of Peri-implantitis Treatments: a 3-year Clinical Evaluation

This prospective study will include patients previously enrolled in the PER-ECL-2019-05 trial who attend the Department of Periodontology (CUO) for maintenance therapy or treatment of periodontal and/or peri-implant diseases, provided they meet the inclusion criteria. Initially, 36 patients with advanced peri-implantitis were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial evaluating the clinical, radiographic and patient-related outcomes of reconstructive therapy following a non-surgical phase of peri-implantitis treatment compared to non-surgical treatment alone (PER-ECL-2019-05) (10). At the study conclusion 34 patients were re-evaluated and 2 patients were excluded from the study (10). In the original study, adult patients presenting at least one titanium implant diagnosed with peri-implantitis were identified among patients referred to the Department of Periodontology of UIC between January 2020 and October 2022. Peri-implantitis was diagnosed following the case definition of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions (11) that is, PPD ≥ 6 mm combined with bleeding on probing (BOP) and/or suppuration (SUP), together with progressive bone loss in relation to the radiographic bone level assessment. In those cases where initial radiograph was unavailable, the definition of a peri-implantitis case was based on radiographic evidence of bone level ≥3 mm apical to the most coronal portion of the intra-osseous part of the implant (12). At the outset of the original study, participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: The first group received only non-surgical therapy for peri-implantitis, while the second group underwent a non-surgical phase followed by reconstructive surgical treatment. This design allowed for direct comparison of the clinical, radiographic, and patient-centered outcomes between the two treatment modalities. Both groups were managed and evaluated according to standardized protocols, ensuring consistency and reliability of the results at 12 months . Patients who have not returned to the Department will be contacted by telephone and invited to participate through the academic office. At 36 months, a single follow-up will be carried out including: A detailed clinical examination. A standardized radiographic assessment.

Non-surgical Treatment of Peri-implant Pockets With H42

This prospective, observational study evaluates the efficacy and safety of H42 non-surgical treatment for peri-implant pockets. The trial involves 56 patients, with 28 subjects receiving the H42 treatment and 28 acting as a control group to monitor soft tissue healing and bone level changes. Clinical outcomes focus on Pocket Probing Depth (PPD) and Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI) measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Gingival inflammation, pain intensity on a 0-10 NRS scale, and absence of infection are monitored at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days, and at 1 and 3 months. Additionally, a five-point tissue assessment evaluates color, suppuration, granulation tissue, bleeding, and incision margins. Radiographic analysis at baseline and 3 months uses standardized periapical x-rays to measure bone level, intra-bony defect height, width, and angulation. Safety is assessed through the continuous registration of adverse events.

Timing of Success Evaluation After Flapless Treatment of Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease around dental implants that causes progressive loss of the bone supporting the implant. Current clinical guidelines recommend treating it first with a non-surgical approach and then checking treatment success, usually between 6 and 12 weeks later. However, it is not known whether this is the best time to check the results, since no previous studies have compared different follow-up time points. This study will follow patients with peri-implantitis who receive the same non-surgical, flapless treatment. Their implants will be checked at five different times after treatment (6 and 12 weeks, and 6, 9, and 12 months) to see how the clinical outcome changes over time. The main goal is to find out how treatment success evolves at these different time points, and whether the results seen early (at 6 weeks) match the final results seen at 12 months

Impact of Smoking on Immune Responses in Peri-implant Health and Disease

Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and bone around dental implants. Peri-implant mucositis causes inflammation in the gums, while peri-implantitis can also lead to bone loss and, in severe cases, implant failure. Smoking is an important risk factor for these conditions because it may change how the immune system responds to inflammation and infection. This study will compare smokers and non-smokers with healthy dental implants, peri-implant mucositis, or peri-implantitis. Fluid samples will be collected from around the implants to measure proteins involved in inflammation, healing, and immune responses. The aim is to better understand how smoking affects the body's response to peri-implant diseases and to identify biological markers that may help assess disease risk and severity in the future.

Peri-implantitis Management: Surgical and Maintenance Outcomes

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how two standard surgical treatments for peri-implantitis affect inflammation around dental implants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive resective surgery with implantoplasty or resective surgery with mechanical debridement only. Participants will provide blood samples before surgery, about 48 hours after surgery, and about 2 weeks after surgery. Participants will also provide saliva samples before surgery and about 2 weeks after surgery, and small gum tissue samples at baseline and about 3 months after surgery. Participants will attend approximately 24 visits and will be followed in a maintenance program for up to 5 years. Show more lines

Titanium Particle Release Across Non-Surgical Peri-implantitis Therapies

This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind, in vivo clinical and laboratory study aims to quantitatively compare the clinical success and metal ion release associated with four different non-surgical decontamination methods in the management of peri-implantitis. A total of 70 implants (56 peri-implantitis implants divided into four treatment groups, and 14 healthy control implants) will be included. Clinical parameters will be evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks, and multi-element trace metal levels (Ti, Al, V, Co, Cr, Cu, Zr, Fe, Ni, As, Pb) in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) and granulation tissue will be analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at baseline, 24 hours, and 6 weeks.

Implant Survival After Surgical Treatment of Peri-implantitis of Infra-bony Defects

To report the 10 years outcomes of a reconstructive surgical protocol for peri-implantitis defects with different morphologies, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBMC).

Relationship Between Metrnl Expression, IL-1β, and TNF-α in Patients With Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around dental implants and may lead to progressive bone loss and implant failure. Current diagnosis is mainly based on clinical and radiographic findings, which may not fully reflect the underlying inflammatory activity. Therefore, there is a need for biological markers that may provide additional information about disease-related changes. This observational study aims to compare the levels of Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) and selected inflammatory cytokines in peri-implant crevicular fluid obtained from individuals with peri-implantitis and individuals with healthy implants. The study will evaluate Metrnl, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). It will also examine the relationships between Metrnl and these inflammatory markers. The study hypothesis is that Metrnl levels differ between healthy peri-implant tissues and peri-implantitis and are associated with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. The findings may help clarify the possible role of Metrnl in peri-implant inflammation and its potential as a biomarker for distinguishing peri-implant health from peri-implantitis.

Effect of Metallic Particles on the Progression of Peri-Implantitis

This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the presence and characteristics of metallic micro- and nanoparticles in peri-implant tissues and their potential association with peri-implantitis progression, the local microbiota, and the host inflammatory response. The study will include 50 participants divided into two groups: individuals requiring dental implant placement, from whom healthy gingival tissue will be collected as an active control, and patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis, from whom granulation tissue and submucosal biofilm samples will be obtained. Tissue samples will be analysed to determine the concentration, size, morphology, and intracellular localisation of metallic particles, as well as macrophage polarisation. Microbiological analyses will characterise the peri-implant microbiota. Associations between metallic particle burden, microbiological composition, inflammatory response, and clinical and radiographic indicators of peri-implant disease severity and progression will also be explored.

Investigation of Biofilm Formation on Temporary push-on Rings of Implant Crowns

This in-vivo study investigates early (48h), mature (2 weeks) and long-term (3 months) biofilm formation and composition on temporary push-on cones (exchangeable conical rings) made of noble-alloy-based materials (Pagalinor, PA) in comparison to Titanium-6Aluminum-7Niobium alloy (TAN) presently used in the transmucosal portion of dental implant abutments.

Treatment of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Pockets With a Novel Collagen Hydrogel, H42 Medical Device

A retrospective, observational, non-profit study designed to evaluate the use of the H42 medical device in patients with periodontitis or peri-implantitis. The study included adult subjects aged 25 to 65 years with peri-implant or periodontal pockets with probing depths (PD) between 5 and 8 mm and 1-5 defects, treated with H42® according to standard clinical practice. The primary outcome involved comparing the periodontal parameters-Periodontal Pocket Depth (PPD), Plaque Index (PI), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI)-before the application of H42 (baseline) and at follow-up visits after 30 and 90 days. The secondary outcomes, on the other hand, assessed soft tissue healing, pain levels via Numeric Rating Scale (NRS 0-10), recurrence of infection, and any unexpected side effects observed. These parameters were assessed at 7, 14, 21, 30, and 90 days after the use of H42.

Patient Perspectives Throughout Peri-Implantitis Treatment

To evaluate longitudinal changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and other patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) throughout the different stages of peri-implantitis therapy, including diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and 6-month follow-up. Secondarily, to explore the influence of clinical, implant-related, and surgical factors on patient-reported outcomes and treatment experience.

Natural Bioactive Gel for Peri-Implantitis

This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial using a split-mouth design to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural bioactive gel (Sterify Gel®) as an adjunct to standard non-surgical therapy for peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the tissues around dental implants and can lead to bone loss and implant failure. The goal of the study is to determine whether the application of Sterify Gel®, which contains polyvinyl polymers, hydroxytyrosol, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and nisin, can improve clinical outcomes when used in addition to conventional mechanical debridement and air-polishing. The trial will include 20 patients, each with at least two implants in different quadrants affected by peri-implantitis. One implant will be treated with standard therapy plus the gel (test site), while the other will receive standard therapy alone (control site). Clinical outcomes will be measured over a 9-month period, including plaque levels, bleeding on probing, probing depth, suppuration, and bone loss. The results will help assess whether this gel enhances the effectiveness of routine non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment.

20-25 Year Follow-Up on Regenerative Bone Procedures for Peri-Implantitis

The goal of this 20-25-year observational study is to investigate the outcomes of bone regenerative surgery in peri-implantitis. Two different techniques will be compared: surgery with a bone substitute alone and surgery with a bone substitute combined with a membrane, to determine their effectiveness and assess whether one is more effective than the other. The intention of this observational study is to learn more about the long-term effects of bone regenerative surgery in patients with peri-implantitis. Patients will be called in for a clinical and radiographic examination of the surgically treated implant(s). Probing pocket depths, presence of pus, bleeding around the implant (s) and a radiograph of the implant (s). To be able to compare with the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year measurements.

Impact of Periodontitis Grading on Peri-Implant Clinical and Bone Health: A 60-Month Prospective Study

This prospective cohort study evaluated the effect of periodontitis grading on peri-implant clinical and radiographic outcomes over a 60-month follow-up. Fifty-five partially edentulous patients were classified into three groups according to periodontal status: generalized aggressive periodontitis (Grade C), generalized chronic periodontitis (Grade B), and no history of periodontitis. A total of 92 implants (tissue- or bone-level) were placed and restored with single crowns, followed by biannual supportive periodontal therapy. Peri-implant clinical parameters (probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and bleeding on probing), marginal bone level changes, peri-implantitis incidence, and implant survival were assessed up to 60 months after prosthetic loading. The objective was to determine whether periodontal history and grading influence long-term peri-implant outcomes under maintenance therapy.

Electrolytic Surface Decontamination in the Surgical Treatment of Peri-implantitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether adjunctive electrolytic surface decontamination can improve the outcomes of surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does electrolytic surface decontamination reduce probing pocket depth more effectively than conventional surgical treatment alone? * Does electrolytic surface decontamination improve bleeding on probing, suppuration, and radiographic bone levels? Researchers will compare conventional surgical treatment plus electrolytic surface decontamination with conventional surgical treatment alone. Participants will: * Receive surgical treatment for peri-implantitis * Be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups * Attend follow-up visits for clinical and radiographic examinations * Undergo assessment of probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, suppuration, and bone level changes during follow-up

Crown Removal in Non-Surgical Peri-Implantitis Therapy: A Randomized Trial

The aim of this single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate whether removal of the prosthetic crown influences the clinical effectiveness of non-surgical mechanical therapy in implants affected by peri-implantitis. The study is designed to compare changes in several clinical and radiographic parameters between baseline and follow-up examinations at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure will be the mean peri-implant probing depth (PIPD). Secondary outcomes will include changes in gingival recession (REC), radiographic marginal bone level (MBL), modified bleeding index (mBI), and additional patient-related variables.

The Effect of Systemic Factors on Peri-implant Health Status and Clinical Indices

This cross-sectional study evaluates the impact of systemic risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, on peri-implant health status and clinical indices. The study included 93 patients with a total of 314 implants that have been in function for at least three years. The primary goal is to determine how these systemic conditions influence the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Adjunctive Keratinized Mucosa Augmentation in Peri-Implantitis

This study aims to increase the width and thickness of peri-implant keratinized mucosa (KM) by transferring a properly dimensioned free gingival graft (FGG) from the palatal donor site and to evaluate its effect as an adjunctive approach to non-surgical peri-implantitis therapy. The procedure is indicated for patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis who present with an inadequate KM (midbuccal KM height \< 2 mm). One month after non-surgical therapy, patients in the test group will undergo keratinized mucosa augmentation using an FGG, while patients in the control group will continue with supportive periodontal therapy and regular follow-up visits. The primary outcome measure of the study is the change in probing depth (PD) at 12 months following peri-implantitis treatment.

Minimally-Invasive Non-Surgical Therapy of Peri-Implantitis

This multicenter, single-masked randomized controlled clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST) compared with standard non-surgical peri-implant therapy (NSPT) in patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis. The study investigates clinical outcomes, radiographic bone levels, patient-reported outcomes, and treatment time over 12 months.

Polynucleotide and Hyaluronic Acid-based Gel as Adjunctive Therapy to Non- Surgical Treatment of Intraosseous Peri-implant Defect. A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of a polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid-based gel (PN-HA) as adjunctive therapy to non-surgical flapless treatment of peri-implantitis. The main goal is to assess probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction after 6 months compared to placebo. Study Design: * Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial) * Allocation: Randomized (computer-generated blocks) * Intervention Model: Parallel assignment * Masking: Single-blind (examiner-blinded) * Primary Purpose: Treatment * Estimated Enrollment: 32 participants * Duration: 6 month follow-up