Effects of a Cetylpyridinium Chloride Gel in Peri-Implant Tissues

Methods: Patients with fixed implant-supported restorations were included in this randomized, double-blinded, crossover clinical trial. Two gels (containing 0.3% CPC or placebo) were applied with interdental brushes for 3 months, with an intermediate washout period of 3 months. The order of application was randomised and the examiners were blinded.  Bleeding index, plaque index (PlI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and recession were recorded.  Microbiological samples were taken and processed by culture. The influence of the sequence of use was calculated by ANOVA. Paired t tests or sign rank tests were used in the intra-group and inter-group comparisons. Patient-based variables and frequency of detection of bacterial species were analysed in contingency tables.

Results: 36 patients were included. Significant reductions in PPD (p=0.006) and in PlI (p=0.044) were observed in the test group, but no significant inter-group differences were observed. Microbiological impact was limited in both groups. No significant differences were observed in patient-based variables. 

Conclusions: The test CPC gel, applied with an interproximal brush, could be effective in the reducing PPD and plaque around implants. A crossover clinical study could be a valid model for the assessment of oral hygiene products in implants.