Preissner, S.S.PreissnerPoehlmann, A.C.A.C.PoehlmannSchubert, A.A.SchubertLehmann, A.A.LehmannArnold, T.T.ArnoldNell, O.O.NellRupf, S.S.Rupf2022-03-062022-03-062019https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/26670610.1615/PlasmaMed.2018027314The aim of the present experimental study was to test three different plasma sources on the removal of 72 h oral biofilms. It was hypothesized that cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) lowers biofilm coverage significantly. In vivo biofilms were formed on sand-blasted/acid-etched titanium discs (n = 40) mounted on splints worn for 72 h by eight volunteers. Specimens were randomly divided into five groups: CAP I received indirect plasma application, CAP II received direct plasma application, CAP III received microwave-driven pulsed plasma application (90 s each). The chlorhexidine (CHX) group was cleaned with a curette and rinsed with CHX. Biofilms of a control group received no treatment. After treatment, all specimens were rinsed for 10 s using a dental air/water spray (2 bar). The vitality of microorganisms was detected by cultivation on agar plates for 24 h and 48 h. The presence of biofilms and their quantity on the titanium samples was investigated by fluorescence microscopy (FM) using live/dead staining. A biofilm's quality was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All treated samples showed a reduced growth on agar plates compared with the control group. FM analysis showed significantly lowered biofilm coverage in all treatment groups compared with the negative control group (t test, p < 0.05). Within the plasma treatment groups, there was a significant difference between CAP II and CAP III ( p = 0.032). SEM showed disintegrated biofilms in all test groups. CAP reduces and disintegrates oral biofilms. Adjuvant application plasma could lead to more effective antimicrobial therapies for peri-implantitis.en610620journal article