Guided bone regeneration therapy based on plaque control of peri-implantitis with follow-up at 7 years

Peri-implantitis is a pathologic condition associated with dental plaque that occurs in the implant tissue and is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane surrounding the implant, followed by the progressive loss of supporting bone. In this study, a case of guided bone regeneration therapy based on plaque control of peri-implant inflammation was reported. Four years after surgery for the left second premolar implant, the patient presented with "left lower posterior tooth swelling and discomfort for more than 2 years". The X-ray periapical film showed a decrease in distal bone mineral density of implant, and the clinical diagnosis was peri-implantitis of the left second premolar. Implants underwent guided bone regeneration and regular periodontal maintenance treatment. Re-examination at 3.5 months, 11 months, 18 months, and 7 years showed that the alveolar bone height and bone mineral density were stable, and the periodontal depth became shallow. However, the gingival recession was mild. In the present case, follow-up at 7 years demonstrated that the clinical periodontal indexes could be remarkably improved after complete periodontal treatment for peri-implantitis, and the alveolar bone could be well restored and regenerated.