Radiographic evaluation of healing tissues of early-failing implants after therapy: a case report

Aside from clinical evaluation, the interpretation of radiographic images is one of the most frequently applied diagnostic procedures in patients with oral implants. Radiology is an important part of treatment with tissue-integrated prostheses, both at the pre-operative stage to obtain full assessment of the bony host and at the post- operative stage to assess the clinical result. Radiographic examination of peri-implant tissues is an essential diagnostic prerequisite for the evaluation of success and failure of oral implants. A case of peri-implant radiolucency detected 3 months after surgical placement is presented. A remarkable regression of the radiolucency was noticed after a successful anti-infective therapy. The aim was to stress the role of oral radiology in exploring peri-implant bone defects. At this point, appropriate intervention might save early-failing implants from complete loss of osseointegration.