Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Conjunction with Mechanical Debridement for Peri-Implantitis: A Prospective Clinical Evaluation

Dental implants offer a reliable solution for tooth replacement, but peri-implant diseases, especially peri-implantitis, jeopardize long-term success by causing inflammation and bone loss. Mechanical debridement is the primary treatment, though its effectiveness is limited by the complex implant surface. Adjunct therapies, particularly natural bioactive compounds, like thymoquinone from Nigella sativa, have shown promise in improving treatment outcomes due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of locally applied thymoquinone gel combined with mechanical debridement in treating peri-implantitis. This prospective study included 40 participants with peri-implantitis, randomized into two groups. Group 1 received mechanical debridement alone, while Group 2 received debridement with 0.2% thymoquinone gel. Clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), peri-implant probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests. At the 3-month follow-up, Group 2 showed significantly better outcomes in PI (0.50 ± 0.20), GI (0.62 ± 0.11), PPD (3.02 ± 0.14 mm), and CAL (3.17 ± 0.31 mm) compared to Group 1 (p < 0.05). Thymoquinone gel as an adjunct to mechanical debridement significantly improves peri-implantitis management, offering a promising therapeutic option. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness.