TRANSLATIONAL APPLICATION OF COLD ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA IN PERIODONTOLOGY AND IMPLANTOLOGY: WHERE ARE WE? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF IN VIVO STUDIES IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL MODELS

Aim The utilization of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in dentistry presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic interventions. This systematic review of in vivo studies aimed at summarizing the existing evidence regarding the efficacy of CAP as a treatment for biofilms associated with periodontitis and peri-implantitis. The objective was to advance the definition and standardization of protocols and facilitate the integration of CAP treatment as a chair-side practice. Materials and Methods This review was registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42023404757), and a comprehensive search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Results In total, 9 in vivo studies were included, 1 on humans and 8 on animal models. A notable reduction in residual bacteria when CAP was combined with conventional therapies in both periodontitis and peri-implantitis models was observed. Biochemical and histological assays demonstrated a decrease in inflammatory cytokines within crevicular fluid and oral tissues. Conclusions Current evidence suggests that CAP shows promise for periodontitis and periimplantitis treatment, but further clinical trials with larger cohorts and standardized protocols are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.