Management of retrograde peri-implantitis: a clinical case report

The term retrograde peri-implantitis has been commonly used to describe lesions in the periapical region of dental implants. There are very few reports on this condition, and the exact etiology and pathogenesis are subject to speculation. Management of retrograde peri-implantitis is even more scarcely discussed in the literature. The current article briefly reviews the literature on this subject and presents a case report of retrograde peri-implantitis. Special emphasis is placed on the management of the condition, and different strategies are critically evaluated. If the fixture is stable despite bone loss in the periapical region, it is suggested that surgical debridement be carried out with the use of a surface antiseptic like chlorhexidine. Also all possible efforts should be made to prevent damage to the implant surface. Bone loss due to this condition may be regenerated on the basis of the principle of guided bone regeneration.