Operating microscope-assisted reconstructive strategy for peri-implantitis: A case series report

Treating peri-implantitis with reconstructive means has been largely unpredictable due to access limitations for surface decontamination, unfavorable bony topography, difficulty in achieving wound stability, and inferior soft tissue qualities. A microsurgical approach with the use of the operating microscope (OM) that provides adjustable higher magnification (∼5-30 times) and coaxial illumination, coupled with the use of microsurgical instruments, may overcome, or alleviate some of the abovementioned obstacles, resulting in more predictable outcomes.

Three patients received reconstructive therapy for correcting peri-implant defects under OM in private practice settings. After precise incisions to preserve soft tissue volume, the flaps were dissected prudently from underlying granulomatous tissues, which were subsequently removed, followed by controlled flap releasing under ∼10-15x magnification. Surface decontamination was performed using a piezoelectric ultrasonic device, air polishing, and hand instruments at ∼30x magnification. The biomaterial selections were dehydrated human de-epithelialized amnion-chorion membrane with mineralized allograft particulates in two cases and xenografts in one case, based on the surgeons' preference. Wound closure followed the non-submerged approach.

These cases demonstrated uneventful soft tissue healing, favorable radiographic bone fill, and disease resolution with follow-ups ranging from 2 to 4 years.

Preliminary data suggest encouraging outcomes after the microsurgical approach following biological as well as biomechanical principles for peri-implant defect reconstruction.