Evaluation of Floss Remnants After Implant Flossing in Three Different Implant Conditions: A Preclinical Study

The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate whether implant flossing could leave floss residues in three different implant-prosthetic conditions.

Using an anatomical model, three different conditions were studied: correct connection between the implant and abutment and complete insertion of the implant threads into the plaster (control group); misfit of approximately 220 to 230 μm between the implant platform and abutment in the absence of any thread exposure (misfit group); partial exposure of implant threads but absence of misfit (thread group). Twenty-one microstructured tapered threaded implants were divided among the three groups. Each sample was subjected to a flossing procedure using spongy floss, standardized in terms of movement, frequency, time, and pressure. Subsequently, a stereomicroscope examination with a standardized magnification of 10× was performed in order to highlight the possible presence of floss residues on the implant surface.

No floss residue was ever detected for the control group. Both misfit and thread groups showed floss residues that were discernible in two different types: microfilaments and amorphous particles. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference for the presence of floss remnants between the control group and the other two experimental groups (P = .005). No difference was observed between the misfit and thread groups.

This study shows that exposed threads and misfit can induce the release of floss residues during maintenance procedures.