Histopathological and microradiological features of peri-implantitis. A case report

The aim of this study was to describe the histological characteristics of a peri-implantitis case in the anterior maxilla.

A dental implant inserted in the missing upper right lateral incisor region has been removed with its adjacent tissues. The samples were placed in 4% formalin for 10 days and, were embedded in methacrylate prior to sawing and grinding. The samples were processed with Donath´s sawing and grinding technique, stained with toluidine blue and mounted on high-sensitivity plates for histology and microradiography. The structure of the connective tissue revealed that there was a lack of collagen fibers running parallel to the implant surface. The connective tissue showed a loose granulation tissue with medium-density lymphocyte infiltration and neutrophilic leukocytes. In addition to the collagen loss in the infiltrated tissue, an excessive bone resorption was present. Peripherally, the light microscopy showed the osteoclasts and their adhesive apparatus which promote bone resorption.

With the increasing number of implants being placed, peri-implantitis has become much more prevalent. Every additional study focusing on the characteristics of peri-implantitis would be beneficial to gain an understanding of bone and soft tissue behavior around the implant and could help to develop appropriate therapeutic approaches for peri-implant disease.