Common practices of dental implants maintenance among dental hygiene professionals in Israel and Germany

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the common practices of dental implant maintenance among dental hygiene professionals (DHP) in Israel (IL) and Germany (GE). Methods: An online questionnaire was developed by the Periodontology Departments of Tel Aviv (IL) and Frankfurt University (GE) to address demographics, training, prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases. The questionnaire was distributed by DHP associations via social media. Results: The responses of 376 DHPs (IL: 169; GE: 207) were analysed. Most participants were female (IL: 168/99%; GE: 203/98%), had received education (IL: 179/97%; GE: 207/97%) and were working in their home countries (IL: 182/99%; GE: 211/99%). Peri-implant probing was not performed by 22% of DHPs in IL and 5% in GE. Of the DHPs who used probes, 49% used metal probes in IL, while 40% used plastic probes in GE (p < 0.001). A majority of DHPs performed peri-implant instrumentation (IL: 168/99%; GE: 190/92%). Most DHPs from IL did not use devices other than hand and/or sonic/ultrasonic instruments for peri-implant cleaning (IL: 130/77%; GE 5/2%); in GE, the use of airflow (IL: 31/18%; GE: 199/96%) is popular (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Most DHPs in IL and GE perform peri-implant probing and debridement. However, there are some distinct differences between the two countries regarding the choice of instruments and treatment regimens.