Successful Management of Early Peri-Implant Infection and Bone Loss Using a Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach.

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Peri-implant infections, occurring before or after loading, pose a risk to dental implant success.
• While postloading infections are well-documented, preloading infections and bone loss management remain less explored.
• This case report details the management of a preloaded dental implant experiencing infection and significant bone loss.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old female presented with severe inflammation and bone loss around a dental implant 7 weeks post-placement.
• Surgical examination revealed a deep bony defect; the implant was debrided using a tetracycline and saline slurry.
• Guided bone regeneration was performed using demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and a resorbable collagen membrane (RCM).

Findings:

• Post-surgical treatment included antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and chlorhexidine rinse, with uneventful healing.
• Radiographic evaluation at 1 year showed substantial bone fill, enabling permanent restoration.
• Long-term follow-up of 5.5 years postloading revealed healthy peri-implant tissues and stable bone levels.

Implications:

• Early detection and prompt, multidisciplinary intervention can effectively manage preloaded peri-implant infections.
• Bone regeneration techniques are viable for restoring bone defects around infected implants.
• Successful management of early peri-implant infections can lead to long-term dental implant survival and health.