The importance of soft tissue condition in bone regenerative procedures to ensure long-term peri-implant health.

Bone regenerative procedures have been widely proved to be a reliable treatment option to re-create the ideal pre-implant clinical conditions. Nevertheless, these techniques are not free from post-operative complications which might result in implant failure. Consequently, as demonstrated by the increasing recently published evidence, a careful pre- and intra-operative flap evaluation to ensure an ideal and hermetic tension-free wound closure is of paramount importance to successfully treat bony defects. In this respect, several surgical interventions mainly aimed to increase the amount of keratinized mucosa either to allow an optimal healing after a reconstructive procedure or to establish an optimal peri-implant soft tissue seal have been proposed. The present review summarizes the level of evidence on the surgical clinical aspects which have an impact on the soft tissue handling associated with bone reconstructive procedures and on the importance of soft tissue conditions to enhance and maintain peri-implant health in the long-term.

Peri-implantitis as the consequence of errors in implant therapy.

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathologic condition occurring in tissues around dental implants, characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and subsequent progressive loss of supporting bone. It is a highly prevalent disease, as extensively estimated by large-population, cross-sectional studies. As peri-implant diseases represent opportunistic infections, it is reasonable to assume that nonideal conditions, local and/or general, may favor the progression of peri-implant inflammation. Some of these conditions could be a result of poor planning and/or inadequate execution of any step of the entire process treatment. This article describes the major possible factors in implant therapy that may lead to peri-implantitis. For some of these (ie, inappropriate patient selection, insufficient periodontal therapy, lack of diagnosis and management of peri-implant mucositis, erratic supportive peri-implant/periodontal therapy) there is a good level of evidence, whereas for others (ie, wrong implant placement, poor postoperative care, inadequate prosthetic reconstruction, lack of assessment and management of peri-implant soft-tissue deficiencies) there is little scientific evidence. More research is therefore needed to clearly identify the errors and/or complications possibly leading to peri-implantitis, particularly over the long term.

Minimal invasiveness in the reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis defects.

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathologic condition occurring in tissues around dental implants, clinically characterized by increased peri-implant probing pocket depth and progressive loss of supporting bone. Consequently, to arrest further disease progression and to increase the chance to obtain re-osseointegration, surgical reconstructive procedures have been adopted. In particular, following a paradigm gathered from periodontal therapy, recent protocols have underlined the importance of a minimally invasive approach to optimize the outcomes of therapy while minimizing the risks of postoperative complications. The present review summarizes the level of evidence on the surgical reconstructive protocols focusing on the new approaches aiming to minimize surgical trauma and patients' postoperative discomfort, underlining the pros and cons of each treatment modality.

Clinical outcomes of dental implants in patients with and without history of periodontitis: A 20-year prospective study.

AIM: To present the 20-year clinical outcomes of tissue-level implants in partially edentulous patients previously treated for periodontitis and in periodontally healthy patients (PHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original population consisted of 149 partially edentulous patients consecutively enrolled in a private specialist practice and divided into three groups: PHP, moderately periodontally compromised patients (mPCP) and severely PCP (sPCP). After successful completion of periodontal/implant therapy, patients were enrolled in an individualized supportive periodontal care (SPC) programme. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients rehabilitated with 172 implants reached the 20-year examination. During the observation time, 12 implants were removed (i.e., 11 due to biological complications and 1 due to implant fracture), leading to an overall implant survival rate of 93% (i.e., 94.9% for PHP, 91.8% for mPCP and 93.1% for sPCP [p = .29]). At 20 years, PCP compliant with SPC did not present with significantly higher odds of implant loss compared with PHP compliant with SPC (p > .05). Conversely, PCP not compliant with SPC experienced implant loss with odds ratio of 14.59 (1.30-164.29, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue-level implants, placed after comprehensive periodontal therapy and SPC, yield favourable long-term results. However, patients with a history of periodontitis and non-compliant with SPC are at higher risk of biological complications and implant loss.

Benchmark performance of anodized vs. sandblasted implant surfaces in an acute dehiscence type defect animal model.

OBJECTIVES: Crestal bone formation represents a crucial aspect of the esthetic and biological success of dental implants. This controlled preclinical study analyzed the effect of implant surface and implant geometry on de novo crestal bone formation and osseointegration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological and histomorphometrical analysis was performed to compare three implant groups, that is, (1) a novel, commercially available, gradient anodized implant, (2) a custom-made geometric replica of implant "1," displaying a superhydrophilic micro-rough large-grit sandblasted and acid-etched surface, and (3) a commercially available implant, having the same surface as "2" but a different implant geometry. The study applied a standardized buccal acute-type dehiscence model in minipigs with observation periods of 2 and 8 weeks of healing. RESULTS: The amount of newly formed crestal bone (BATA) around control groups (2) and (3) was significantly increased when compared to the test group (1) at the 8 weeks of healing time point. Similar results were obtained for all parameters related to osseointegration and direct bone apposition, to the implant surface (dBIC, VBC, and fBIC), demonstrating superior osseointegration of the moderately rough, compared to the gradient anodized functionalization. After 2 weeks, the osseointegration (nBIC) was found to be influenced by implant geometry with group (3) outperforming groups (1) and (2) on this parameter. At 8 weeks, nBIC was significantly higher for groups (2) and (3) compared to (1). CONCLUSIONS: The extent (BATA) of de novo crestal bone formation in the acute-type dehiscence defects was primarily influenced by implant surface characteristics and their ability to promote osseointegration and direct bone apposition. Osseointegration (nBIC) of the apical part was found to be influenced by a combination of surface characteristics and implant geometry. For early healing, implant geometry may have a more pronounced effect on facilitating osseointegration, relative to the specific surface characteristics.

Occurrence, associated factors and soft tissue reconstructive therapy for buccal soft tissue dehiscence at dental implants: Consensus report of group 3 of the DGI/SEPA/Osteology Workshop.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the literature and report on (1) the frequency of occurrence of buccal soft tissue dehiscence (BSTD) at implants, (2) factors associated with the occurrence of BSTD and (3) treatment outcomes of reconstructive therapy for the coverage of BSTD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two systematic reviews addressing focused questions related to implant BSTD occurrence, associated factors and the treatment outcomes of BSTD coverage served as the basis for group discussions and the consensus statements. The main findings of the systematic reviews, consensus statements and implications for clinical practice and for future research were formulated within group 3 and were further discussed and reached final approval within the plenary session. RESULTS: Buccally positioned implants were the factor most strongly associated with the risk of occurrence of BSTD, followed by thin tissue phenotype. At immediate implants, it was identified that the use of a connective tissue graft (CTG) may act as a protective factor for BSTD. Coverage of BSTD may be achieved with a combination of a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and a connective tissue graft, with or without prosthesis modification/removal, although feasibility of the procedure depends upon multiple local and patient-related factors. Soft tissue substitutes showed limited BSTD coverage. CONCLUSION: Correct three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the implant is of utmost relevance to prevent the occurrence of BSTD. If present, BSTD may be covered by CAF +CTG, however the evidence comes from a low number of observational studies. Therefore, future research is needed for the development of further evidence-based clinical recommendations.

Flapless application of enamel matrix derivative in periodontal retreatment: A multicentre randomized feasibility trial.

AIM: To investigate the potential benefit of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) as adjunct to re-instrumentation of residual pockets persisting after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 44 adult patients participated in a multicentre feasibility randomized clinical trial with split-mouth design. They had presented at re-evaluation after initial non-surgical periodontal therapy (steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy) for generalized periodontitis with at least 2 teeth with residual probing pocket depths (PPD) ≥5 and ≤8 mm, with bleeding on probing (BOP). Two teeth with similar PPD were randomized to receive re-instrumentation either with (test) or without (control) adjunctive flapless administration of EMD. Differences in the changes of PPD and BOP from baseline to 6 and 12 months were analysed, and the frequencies of pocket closure (PPD ≤4 mm and no BOP) compared. RESULTS: For the primary outcome "change of mean PPD after 6 months," a significant additional benefit of 0.79 ± 1.3 mm (p < .0001) could be observed for the test group. At 12 months, this difference could be maintained (0.85 ± 1.1 mm; p < .0001). The frequency of pocket closure in the test group was 69% at 6 and 80% at 12 months and significantly higher than in the control group with 34% and 42%, respectively (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present feasibility study indicate a benefit of adjunctive EMD during non-surgical retreatment (step 3 of periodontal therapy) of residual deep pockets.

Reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis infrabony defects of various configurations: 5-year survival and success.

AIM: To present the 5 years outcomes of a reconstructive surgical protocol for peri-implantitis defects with different morphologies, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBMC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original population of this case series consisted of 75 patients with one crater-like defect and probing depth (PD) ≥6 mm. After flap elevation, defects were assigned to one characteristic class and treated by means of DBBMC. Following healing, patients were enrolled in an individualized supportive periodontal/peri-implant (SPT) program. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients reached the 5 years examination, as 11 patients were lost to follow-up and 13 implants were removed. Overall treatment success was registered in 29 patients (45.3%). Mean PD and BOP significantly decreased at one year and remained stable for the rest of observation period. No correlation was found between implant survival rate and defect configuration (p = 0.213). Patients, who did not fully adhere to the SPT, experienced more complications and implant loss than those who regularly attended recall appointments (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed reconstructive treatment resulted in a high 5 years implant survival rate in patients who fully adhered to SPT. The resolution of the peri-implantitis defect does not seem significantly associated with the defect configuration at the time of treatment.

Soft tissue management at implants: Summary and consensus statements of group 2. The 6th EAO Consensus Conference 2021.

OBJECTIVES: The task of working Group 2 at the 6th Consensus Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration was to comprehensively assess the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures at dental implant sites on clinical, radiographic and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including an overview on available outcome measures and methods of assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three systematic reviews and one critical review were performed in advance on (i) the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures on clinical, radiographic and aesthetic outcomes, (ii) reliability and validity of outcome measures and methods of assessment and (iii) PROMs applied in clinical studies for soft tissue augmentation procedures at dental implant sites. Major findings, consensus statements, clinical recommendations and implications for future research were discussed in the group and approved during the plenary sessions. RESULTS: The four reviews predominantly revealed: Soft tissue augmentation procedures in conjunction with immediate and delayed implant placement result in superior aesthetic outcomes compared to no soft tissue augmentation in the zone of aesthetic priority. Soft tissue augmentation procedures have a limited effect on marginal bone level changes compared to implant sites without soft tissue augmentation. Clinically relevant parameters (gingival index, mucosal recession) and plaque control improve at implant sites when the width of keratinised mucosa is increased. A variety of aesthetic indices have been described with good reliability. Pink Esthetic Score and Complex Esthetic Index are the most validated aesthetic indices for single implants, though. Superimposed digital surface scans are most accurate to assess profilometric tissue changes. PROMs following soft tissue augmentation procedures have been assessed using various forms of questionnaires. Soft tissue augmentation had a limited effect on PROMs. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue augmentation procedures are widely applied in conjunction with implant therapy. Depending on the indication of these interventions, clinical, radiographic and aesthetic outcomes may improve, whereas the effect on PROMs is limited.

Implant survival after surgical treatment of peri-implantitis lesions by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen: 10-year results from a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 10-year outcomes of a regenerative surgical treatment of single peri-implantitis intrabony defects, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBMC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original population consisted of 26 patients with one crater-like defect, around either SLA or TPS dental implants, with a probing depth ≥6 mm and no implant mobility. After debridement and surface decontamination, the defects were filled with DBBMC. Subsequently, patients were placed in an individualized supportive peri-implant/periodontal therapy (SPT) program. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (eight SLA and six TPS) reached the 10-year examination. The overall implant survival rate was 67%, 80% for the SLA, and 55% for the TPS implants. During SPT, five patients were lost to follow-up, eight patients needed additional antibiotic and/or surgical therapy, and seven patients had the implant removed. PD was reduced from 6.6 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in SLA and from 7.2 ± 1.5 to 3.4 ± 0.6 mm in TPS. BOP decreased from 75.0 ± 31.2% to 7.5 ± 12.1% (SLA) and from 90.0 ± 12.9% to 30.0 ± 19.7% (TPS). Treatment success was found in 5 of the 12 SLA (42%) and in 4 of the 14 TPS (29%). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed reconstructive treatment, followed by SPT, was able to maintain in function the majority of SLA implants, although the overall treatment success was limited and many of TPS implants were removed. Therefore, the decision to treat implants affected by peri-implantitis should be based on several factors, including surface characteristics.

Regeneration of alveolar ridge defects. Consensus report of group 4 of the 15th European Workshop on Periodontology on Bone Regeneration.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bone augmentation procedures to enable dental implant placement are frequently performed. The remit of this working group was to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of regenerative measures for the reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The discussions were based on four systematic reviews focusing on lateral bone augmentation with implant placement at a later stage, vertical bone augmentation, reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis associated defects, and long-term results of lateral window sinus augmentation procedures. RESULTS: A substantial body of evidence supports lateral bone augmentation prior to implant placement as a predictable procedure in order to gain sufficient ridge width for implant placement. Also, vertical ridge augmentation procedures were in many studies shown to be effective in treating deficient alveolar ridges to allow for dental implant placement. However, for both procedures the rate of associated complications was high. The adjunctive benefit of reconstructive measures for the treatment of peri-implantitis-related bone defects has only been assessed in a few RCTs. Meta-analyses demonstrated a benefit with regard to radiographic bone gain but not for clinical outcomes. Lateral window sinus floor augmentation was shown to be a reliable procedure in the long term for the partially and fully edentulous maxilla. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated bone augmentation procedures were proven to be effective for the reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects. However, some procedures are demanding and bear a higher risk for post-operative complications.

Treatment of buccal soft tissue dehiscence around single implant: 5-year results from a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to report the 5-year outcomes of a coverage procedure of shallow maxillary soft tissue dehiscences, around single tissue-level implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original population consisted of 16 patients presenting a single maxillary buccal implant soft tissue recession. A connective tissue graft, taken from the maxillary tuberosity, was inserted underneath a split-thickness envelope flap. After treatment, patients received individually tailored supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). RESULTS: Two patients were lost to follow-up, while one implant was removed due to peri-implantitis, before the final examination. At 5 years, complete implant soft tissue coverage was depicted in 8 out of 13 cases (62%). Mean soft tissue dehiscence coverage was 86%. Patients' esthetic evaluation showed the persistency of high VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of buccal soft tissue dehiscence around single implant, followed by regular supportive therapy, resulted in good esthetic and functional results in the majority of patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Within the limits of this study, the positive results suggest that the proposed technique may be a reliable option in selected cases.

Papilla height in relation to the distance between bone crest and interproximal contact point at single-tooth implants: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the tooth-implant papilla formation in correlation with the distance between the interproximal bone level and the prosthetic contact point. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of the current literature (01/01/2000-01/01/2017) was performed to identify human trials that included 10 patients or more, with at least 12 months follow-up, in need of the replacement of one single tooth in the anterior maxillary region with an implant-supported single crown. To meet the inclusion criteria, studies had to provide both radiographic and clinical data regarding the distance between the interproximal bone level and the prosthetic contact point. RESULTS: The search yielded 136 records. After evaluation of abstracts and full texts, 12 papers were included in the final review, even though various reference points, for the comparison between the vertical distance and the papilla height, were used. The vertical distance between the interproximal bone level and prosthetic contact point ranged between 2 and 11 mm, and the partial or complete papilla fill (Jemt's score 2-3) ranged between 56.5% and 100% of cases. CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence that the vertical distance from the base of the interproximal contact point to the crestal bone level seems to affect the interproximal papilla height; that is, the lower is the distance the higher is the percentage of papilla fill. Complete embrasure fill between an implant restoration and the adjacent tooth seems to be correlated with the integrity of the periodontal ligament of the tooth. To reduce the risk of aesthetic failures, interproximal probing on the adjacent teeth should be encouraged before implant placement.

Clinical outcomes of peri-implantitis treatment and supportive care: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical outcomes for patients with implants treated for peri-implantitis who subsequently received supportive care (supportive peri-implant/periodontal therapy) for at least 3 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of multiple electronic databases, grey literature and hand searching, without language restriction, to identify studies including ≥10 patients was constructed. Data and risk of bias were explored qualitatively. Estimated cumulative survival at the implant- and patient-level was pooled with random-effects meta-analysis and explored for publication bias (funnel plot) at different time intervals. RESULTS: The search identified 5,761 studies. Of 83 records selected during screening, 65 were excluded through independent review (kappa = 0.94), with 18 retained for qualitative and 13 of those for quantitative assessments. On average, studies included 26 patients (median, IQR 21-32), with 36 implants (median, IQR 26-45). Study designs (case definitions of peri-implantitis, peri-implantitis treatment, supportive care) and population characteristics (patient, implant and prosthesis characteristics) varied markedly. Data extraction was affected by reduced reporting quality, but over 75% of studies had low risk of bias. Implant survival was 81.73%-100% at 3 years (seven studies), 74.09%-100% at 4 years (three studies), 76.03%-100% at 5 years (four studies) and 69.63%-98.72% at 7 years (two studies). Success and recurrence definitions were reported in five and two studies respectively, were heterogeneous, and those outcomes were unable to be explored quantitatively. CONCLUSION: Therapy of peri-implantitis followed by regular supportive care resulted in high patient- and implant-level survival in the medium to long term. Favourable results were reported, with clinical improvements and stable peri-implant bone levels in the majority of patients.

Group 4 ITI Consensus Report: Risks and biologic complications associated with implant dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of Working Group 4 was to address topics related to biologic risks and complications associated with implant dentistry. Focused questions on (a) diagnosis of peri-implantitis, (b) complications associated with implants in augmented sites, (c) outcomes following treatment of peri-implantitis, and (d) implant therapy in geriatric patients and/or patients with systemic diseases were addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four systematic reviews formed the basis for discussion in Group 4. Participants developed statements and recommendations determined by group consensus based on the findings of the systematic reviews. These were then presented and accepted following further discussion and modifications as required by the plenary. RESULTS: Bleeding on probing (BOP) alone is insufficient for the diagnosis of peri-implantitis. The positive predictive value of BOP alone for the diagnosis of peri-implantitis varies and is dependent on the prevalence of peri-implantitis within the population. For patients with implants in augmented sites, the prevalence of peri-implantitis and implant loss is low over the medium to long term. Peri-implantitis treatment protocols which include individualized supportive care result in high survival of implants after 5 years with about three-quarters of implants still present. Advanced age alone is not a contraindication for implant therapy. Implant placement in patients with cancer receiving high-dose antiresorptive therapy is contraindicated due to the associated high risk for complications. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of peri-implantitis requires the presence of BOP as well as progressive bone loss. Prevalence of peri-implantitis for implants in augmented sites is low. Peri-implantitis treatment should be followed by individualized supportive care. Implant therapy for geriatric patients is not contraindicated; however, comorbidities and autonomy should be considered.

Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis intrabony lesions by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen: 7-year-results.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of the surgical treatment of single peri-implantitis intrabony defects, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBMC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original population consisted of 26 patients with one crater-like defect, around either sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) or titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) dental implants, with a probing depth (PD) ≥6 mm and no implant mobility (Roccuzzo et al. J Clin Periodontol. 2011; 38: 738). Implants were mechanically debrided and treated using EDTA gel and chlorhexidine gel. The bone defects were filled with DBBMC, and the flap was sutured around the non-submerged implant. Patients were placed on an individually tailored supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). RESULTS: Two patients were lost to follow-up. During SPT, additional antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was necessary in eight implants, and four of these were removed for biologic complications. At 7-year, the survival rate was 83.3% for SLA implants and 71.4% for TPS. PD was significantly reduced from 6.6 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in SLA and 7.2 ± 1.5 to 3.4 ± 0.6 mm in TPS. Bleeding on probing decreased from 75.0 ± 31.2% to 7.5 ± 12.1% (SLA) and from 90.0 ± 12.9% to 30.0 ± 19.7% (TPS). When successful therapy was defined as PD ≤5 mm, absence of bleeding/suppuration on probing, and no further bone loss, treatment success was obtained in 2 of 14 (14.3%) of the TPS and in 7 of 12 (58.3%) of the SLA implants. CONCLUSIONS: Seven years after surgical treatment with DBBMC, patients, in an adequate SPT, maintained sufficient peri-implant conditions in many cases, particularly around SLA implants. Nevertheless, some patients required further treatment and some lost implants. The clinical decision on whether implants should be treated or removed should be based on several factors, including implant surface characteristics.

Long-term outcomes of implants placed after vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in partially edentulous patients: a 10-year prospective clinical study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical results around non-submerged implants placed after vertical alveolar ridge augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original population consisted of two groups of partially edentulous patients (Clinical Oral Implants Research, 15, 2004, 73; Clinical Oral Implants Research, 18, 2007, 286), receiving a total of 82 implants, after a vertical bone augmentation of at least 4 mm. Following cementation of the fixed dental prostheses, patients were asked to follow an individualized supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) program for an appropriate clinical and radiographic follow-up. RESULTS: At the 10-year examination, seven of the 41 patients were lost to follow-up. During SPT, additional antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was necessary in 18 implants, and four of these implants were removed for biological complications. The overall implant survival rate was 94.1%. The mean interproximal bone loss (BL) was 0.58 ± 0.57 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed that implants, placed after vertical augmentation and followed by an adequate SPT, offer predictable long-term results. Nevertheless, patients whose bone atrophy was consequence of a previous history of periodontitis presented a statistically significant greater BL.

Surgical therapy of single peri-implantitis intrabony defects, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a reconstructive surgical procedure in single peri-implantitis infrabony defects. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with one peri-implantitis crater-like lesion with pocket depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm, were included. Each defect was assigned to one characteristic class, by an independent examiner. After implant decontamination, defects were filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up, four patients were lost and six implants removed. Treatment success, PD ≤ 5 mm and absence of suppuration/bleeding on probing (BOP), was obtained in 37 (52.1%) of the 71 implants examined. PD was significantly reduced by 2.92 ± 1.73 mm (p < 0.0001). BOP decreased from 71.5 ± 34.4% to 18.3 ± 28.6% (p < 0.0001). The mean number of deep pockets (≥ 6 mm) decreased from 3.00 ± 0.93 to 0.85 ± 1.35 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the possibility to successfully treat peri-implantitis lesions. There is lack of evidence of whether or not the resolution of the peri-implant disease is associated with the defect configuration. Due to the fact that complete resolution does not seem a predictable outcome, the clinical decision on whether implants should be treated should be based on several patient related elements.

Keratinized mucosa around implants in partially edentulous posterior mandible: 10-year results of a prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to investigate the clinical conditions around dental implants placed in the posterior mandible of healthy or moderately periodontally compromised patients, in relation to the presence or not of keratinized mucosa (KT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients who needed an implant in the posterior mandible were consecutively enrolled in a private specialist practice. Only one implant per patient was examined originally placed either within KT or alveolar (AM) mucosa. At 10 years, clinical and radiographic measures were recorded by a calibrated operator. The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics and/or surgery) during the 10 years was also registered. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients completed the 10-year study. The absence of KT was associated with higher plaque accumulation, greater soft-tissue recession (REC), and a higher number of sites that required additional surgical and/or antibiotic treatment. Patient-reported outcomes regarding maintenance procedures presented major differences between the groups. In 11 of the 35 AM cases, additional free gingival graft (FGG) was successfully employed to reduce discomfort and to facilitate optimal plaque control. CONCLUSION: Implants that are not surrounded by KT are more prone to plaque accumulation and REC, even in patients exercising sufficient oral hygiene and receiving adequate supporting periodontal therapy (SPT). In selected cases, particularly in the edentulous posterior mandible, where ridge resorption leads to reduced vestibular depth and lack of KT, additional FGG can be beneficial to facilitate proper oral hygiene procedures.

Surgical treatment of buccal soft tissue recessions around single implants: 1-year results from a prospective pilot study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a soft tissue dehiscence coverage technique, at single non-submerged implant sites, presenting shallow isolated buccal mucosal recession. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients were included in this prospective study. A connective tissue graft (CTG) was harvested from the maxillary tuberosity. The donor soft tissue was de-epithelialized and trimmed with a mucotome for an optimal adaptation to the collar of the implant. RESULTS: Surgery and healing proceeded with no complications and minimal post-operative discomfort. One-year follow-up demonstrated clinical and esthetic improvements. Treatment resulted in 89.6 ± 13.1% mean coverage, and complete implant soft tissue coverage was achieved in nine of 16 cases, corresponding to a 56.3%. The VAS esthetic analysis showed a significant improvement from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 8.5 ± 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: These positive preliminary results suggest that, by means of the surgical technique presented, buccal soft tissue dehiscences around single implants can be successfully treated. Additional Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be encouraged to assess the most effective variation to the technique in the various clinical situations and around implants of different designs.