Efficacy of Antibiotic Versus Probiotics as Adjuncts to Mechanical Debridement for the Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucositis.

Background: Peri-implant mucositis, an inflammatory condition affecting the soft tissues surrounding dental implants, is commonly treated with mechanical debridement. The efficacy of adjunctive therapies, such as antibiotics and probiotics, in enhancing treatment outcomes remains a topic of interest. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis. Patients were divided into three groups: group A (mechanical debridement alone), group B (mechanical debridement plus antibiotics), and group C (mechanical debridement plus probiotics). Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI), were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and post-hoc tests to compare the efficacy between groups. Results: At 1 month, group B showed a significant reduction in PD (mean reduction of 2.1 mm) and BOP (mean reduction of 40%) compared to group A (mean reduction of 1.2 mm in PD and 25% in BOP) and group C (mean reduction of 1.8 mm in PD and 35% in BOP). At 3 months, group C exhibited sustained improvement in PI (mean reduction of 50%) and BOP (mean reduction of 45%) compared to group B (mean reduction of 45% in PI and 40% in BOP) and group A (mean reduction of 30% in PI and 20% in BOP). Conclusion: Both antibiotics and probiotics as adjuncts to mechanical debridement demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis. Antibiotics showed a more pronounced immediate effect, while probiotics provided sustained improvements over a longer period.