Application of local melatonin for controlling peri-implantitis: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives : The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of melatonin in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Secondary objectives were to determine the anti-inflammatory, osteogenic and antimicrobial properties of melatonin. Materials and Methods : A randomized clinical trial was carried out in patients affected by peri-implantitis with a follow-up of 60 days. Melatonin 1.9 mg or placebo was applied locally to the peri-implant defect after debridement. The probing depth, bleeding index, plaque index, and interleukin-1β and 6 concentrations, peri-implant bone level and the bacterial strains were analyzed. Results : 30 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 71.9±7.3 years. Changes on the probing depth in the melatonin group were -1.80±0.88 mm and -1.38±0.47 mm in placebo. Bone level changes were -0.87±0.74 mm in the melatonin group and -0.80±0.68 mm in the placebo. The interleukin-1β concentration at 60 days was 8.62±5.09 pg/mL in the melatonin group and 9.07±5.57 pg/mL in placebo. No differences were observed in probing depth (p=.17), plaque index (p=.57), bleeding index (p=.91), peri-implant bone level (p=.43), interleukin-1β (p=.80), interleukin-6 (p=.52) and anaerobic bacterial species (p=0.96). There were differences in the P. gingivalis concentration (p=.05). Conclusions : Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, osteogenic and antimicrobial properties of melatonin cannot be determined. It seems to improve slightly probing depth changes, interleukin-1β levels and P. gingivalis concentration. Trial registration : Protocol Registration & Results System Clinical Trial Number NCT06816277- Clinical Relevance: Melatonin could improve plaque index, bleeding index, reduce probing depth and peri-implant marginal bone loss, in addition to controlling certain bacterial species in the short term.