Comparing Cleaning Tools for Full-Arch Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses

Summary

For patients with complete edentulism, full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses can effectively restore functions such as mastication, esthetics, and speech. Their long-term clinical outcomes are predictable, and patient satisfaction is generally high. However, the probability of biological complications associated with full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses within 10 years can be as high as 91.2%. Poor oral hygiene and plaque accumulation are important risk factors for these biological complications.

Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the long-term success of full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses. However, the most effective cleaning method remains unclear. Superfloss, interdental brushes, and water floss are commonly used auxiliary cleaning tools, but in vivo studies evaluating their cleaning efficacy are limited. Therefore, a randomized controlled study with a relatively long observation period is needed to better evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of different methods-superfloss, interdental brushes, and water floss-in patients with full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses.

This study adopts a self-controlled, three-phase crossover design. Participants will sequentially use superfloss (S), interdental brushes (I), and a water flosser (W) to clean the surface of full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses. Each cleaning method will be used for three months, after which a follow-up examination will be conducted. The participants will then switch to the second cleaning method, followed by another evaluation after three months. Finally, they will switch to the third cleaning method, and a final examination will be performed after an additional three months, completing the study.

Conditions

• Edentulism

Interventions

DEVICE

Superfloss

When using superfloss to clean the prosthesis, after routine tooth brushing, the stiffened threading end should be inserted from beneath the bridge or through the space between implant abutments so that the spongy segment is positioned under the bridge or around the abutments. The tissue surface of the prosthesis and the surrounding abutment areas are then gently cleaned using a back-and-forth pulling motion. The entire procedure should be performed gently, avoiding excessive force to prevent soft tissue injury.

DEVICE

Interdental brush

When using an interdental brush to clean the prosthesis, a brush head with an appropriate diameter should be selected so that it can pass easily through the space between the bridge and the abutment without causing friction or damage. The brush head should be gently inserted into the inter-implant space and moved back and forth in a horizontal or slightly angled direction. Each site should be brushed 2-3 times, avoiding forceful insertion or bending of the bristles. Cleaning can be performed sequentially from one side of the full-arch prosthesis to the other, ensuring that the area around each abutment is thoroughly cleaned. The brush head should be replaced regularly to maintain bristle elasticity and cleaning effectiveness.

DEVICE

Waterfloss

When using a water flosser to clean the prosthesis, the water pressure should be adjusted to the maximum level that the patient can comfortably tolerate. Starting from one end of the prosthesis, the nozzle should be moved slowly along the edge and underside of the bridge, allowing the water stream to flush out debris and plaque around the abutments and beneath the bridge.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-14

Primary Completion

2027-01-31

Completion

2027-01-31

Countries

• China

Study Locations