Removal of naturally grown human biofilm with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet: An in‐vitro study

Abstract

The removal of biofilm is a prerequisite for a successful treatment of biofilm‐associated diseases. In this study, we compared the feasibility of an atmospheric pressure plasma device with a sonic powered brush to remove naturally grown supragingival biofilm from extracted teeth. Twenty‐four periodontally hopeless teeth were extracted. Argon jet plasma with an oxygen admixture of 1 vol% and a sonically driven brush were used to remove biofilm with application times of 60 s, 180 s and 300 s. The treatment efficiency was assessed with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The highest biofilm removal rate was observed after an application time of 180 s/300 s with the sonic brush (80.4%/86.2%), plasma (75.5%/89.0%). These observations were confirmed by SEM. According to XPS analysis, plasma treatment decreased the amount of carbon and nitrogen, indicative of an extensive removal of proteins. Plasma treatment of naturally grown biofilm resulted in an effective cleaning of the tooth surface and was comparable to mechanical treatment. Treatment time had a significant influence on plaque reduction. These results showed that plasma could be a useful adjuvant treatment modality in cases where biofilm removal or reduction plays a decisive role, such as periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.

Metallization and Ar‐O plasma effects on dental enamel roughness evaluated with SEM and MeX™ for 3D reconstruction

“…The application of argon−oxygen plasma is able to remove the organic material of the dental enamel, while the minerals are left on the surface. An increase of PO 4 may take place, which confirms that the hydroxyapatite is left on the surface after plasma exposure (Jablonowski et al, ).…”

“…In chromium−cobalt alloys, differences in the OH − percentages were observed with the oxygen plasma application, which showed that the method is effective for cleaning and surface activation (Paredes et al, ). The argon plasma application with 1.0 vol% oxygen admixture also has the effect of enamel chemical cleaning, reducing the organic compounds and increasing mineral compound concentration (Jablonowski et al, ).…”

Low‐temperature plasma on peri‐implant–related biofilm and gingival tissue

“…In addition to oral biofilm inactivation, the study in beagles observed a larger amount of new bone formation in the bone‐to‐implant contact surface area in the plasma group . In another study, the ability to remove naturally grown biofilms on teeth with plasma treatment was compared to sonic brush, and biofilm removal was comparable for both treatments …”

“…24 In addition to oral biofilm inactivation, the study in beagles observed a larger amount of new bone formation in the bone-to-implant contact surface area in the plasma group. 25 In another study, the ability to remove naturally grown biofilms on teeth with plasma treatment was compared to sonic brush, and biofilm removal was comparable for both treatments. 25 However, it is important to note that killing the biofilm is not enough for its removal, considering there are other biofilm products that play a role in peri-implantitis, including cytokines.…”

“…25 In another study, the ability to remove naturally grown biofilms on teeth with plasma treatment was compared to sonic brush, and biofilm removal was comparable for both treatments. 25 However, it is important to note that killing the biofilm is not enough for its removal, considering there are other biofilm products that play a role in peri-implantitis, including cytokines. 26 It was demonstrated that removal of dead microbial residues was equally necessary to promote cell adhesion.…”