Multidisciplinary Treatment for Peri-Implantitis: A 24-Month Follow-Up Case Report

Although osseointegrated implants are a highly predictable and effective alternative in the rehabilitation of partially or totally edentulous patients, the prevalence of implant biologic complications has been rising. This report describes a case of peri-implantitis involving multiple maxillary implants that was successfully treated by combining the removal of two implants, surgical debridement associated with implantoplasty of the remaining implants, and prosthetic design changes.

A 50-year-old female patient with a fixed full-arch implant-supported maxillary prosthesis presented with chief complaints of halitosis and difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of peri-implantitis was established. Two implants were removed because of advanced peri-implant bone loss and inadequate prosthetic positioning. The remaining implants were treated with access surgery, removal of granulation tissue, and implantoplasty of the exposed implant threads. Three months after surgery, an O-ring-retained bar overdenture was delivered. At 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment completion, peri-implant probing depths (PDs) were reduced significantly. None of the implants exhibited residual PDs >4 mm, bleeding on probing, or suppuration. Moreover, peri-implant bone levels remained stable over time.

Surgical therapy combined with implantoplasty of the exposed threads and prosthetic design changes can be used successfully for treating peri-implantitis.