Effect of Probe Material (Metallic vs. Plastic) on Peri-implant Probing: a Randomized Clinical Trial.
Evaluate whether the type of probe (plastic vs. metallic) modifies the accuracy of peri-implant probing in single-unit implants, by comparing the probing depth recorded with the prosthesis in place versus without the prosthesis (ΔPD, mm). Secondarily, explore the influence of prosthetic design and implant position on probing values and on other clinical and radiographic parameters.
• Adults (≥18 years)
• Presence of at least one single-unit bone-level implant rehabilitated with a screw-retained prosthesis directly connected to the implant (no intermediate abutment)
• Implant in function for at least 1 year after prosthetic loading
• No pathological bone loss on periapical radiograph (distance from the most coronal rough surface of the implant to the bone crest \< 3 mm)
• Ability to understand and sign informed consent
• Peri-implant health or mucositis, defined according to the 2017 World Workshop criteria:
• Health: no clinical signs of inflammation, lack of profuse (line or drop) bleeding on probing, no increase in probing depth compared to previous records, and no progressive bone loss beyond initial remodeling (\<2 mm). In the absence of previous radiographs, radiographic bone level \<3 mm without bleeding and/or suppuration on probing.
• Mucositis: presence of bleeding and/or suppuration on probing, no increase in probing depth compared to previous records, and no bone loss beyond initial remodeling (\<2 mm). In the absence of previous radiographs, radiographic bone level \<3 mm with bleeding and/or suppuration on probing.