Peri-implant tissue changes at sites treated with alveolar ridge preservation in the aesthetic zone: Twenty-two months follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare tissue changes at implant sites previously treated with two biomaterials for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in the aesthetic zone, 1 year after restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six participants were treated with ARP using demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) or DBBM +10% of collagen (DBBM-C), both covered with a collagen matrix (CM). Dental implants were placed, and definitive crowns were installed. Silicon impressions were taken before tooth extraction (T0), 2 weeks after crown insertion (T1) and 1 year after restoration (T2). Mid-facial mucosal level change (MLC), soft tissue thickness changes (TT), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were analysed using inter-group comparisons. RESULTS: Fifty-four participants were included in the analysis. The mid-facial level change between T0-T1 and T1-T2 showed no statistical difference between DBBM and DBBM-C. Between T0 and T1 for soft tissue thickness, DBBM performed significantly better at 3 and 5 mm below the mucosal margin. From T1 to T2, no significant differences between groups were found at any level for soft tissue thickness and MBL. CONCLUSION: At the aesthetic zone, advanced recession from tooth extraction to crown placement can be expected at sites treated with ARP regardless of biomaterial used. However, after crown insertion, tissue stability can be predicted.

Selective outcome reporting in root coverage randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Outcome discrepancies between protocols and respective publications represent a concerning bias. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of selective outcome reporting (SOR) in root coverage randomized clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS: Published root coverage RCTs (July 2005 to March 2020) were included if a corresponding protocol could be identified in a public registry. Discrepancies between protocol and its correspondent publication(s) were compared regarding primary and secondary outcomes and other study characteristics. Associations between trial characteristics and SOR were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty four studies (54 publications) were included. The majority of studies (77.3%) were retrospectively registered. SOR was frequent (40.9% of trials) and consisted of primary outcome downgrade (22.7%); secondary outcome upgrade (11.4%); new primary outcome introduced in publication (25%); protocol primary outcome omitted from publication (13.6%) and discrepancy in primary outcome timing (18.2%). SOR was unclear in 20.5% of studies and favoured statistical significance in 12 studies (27.3%). SOR was significantly associated with study significance (p < 0.001) and unclear outcome definition in the publication (p < 0.001). Only a third (32.8%) of primary outcomes were completely defined. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified high prevalence of SOR in root coverage RCTs.

Comparative analysis of dimensional alterations following extraction of maxillary molars using three-dimensional images' superimposition: a CBCT study.

The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the bone alterations following maxillary molar extraction and (ii) identify the factors associated with bone alterations using a tomographic analysis. Cone Beam Computer Tomographies (CBCTs) of 17 subjects with 25 maxillary molars were analyzed, before and, in average, 12 months following extraction. Fifty CBCTs were segmented as 3D models that were used as reference for analysis. Cross-sectional planes were established to measure the dimensional changes in the vertical, horizontal aspects, and the area of the alveolar bone. Associations between root divergence, initial bone location related to the maxillary sinus, and the thickness of buccal and palatal bone at baseline was assessed using mixed-effect models. Overall, the average reduction in vertical bone height was 35.23% (2.61 ± 1.76 mm). The mean reduction of area of alveolar process and horizontal bone width were 18.89% (56.08 ± 44.23 mm2) and 65.10% (8.33 ± 4.51 mm), respectively. There was a marginal significant association between horizontal bone changes and the thickness of palatal bone (p = 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that following maxillary molar extraction, significant dimensional changes occur in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The vertical changes were mainly attributed to remodeling on the coronal aspect of the alveolar ridge and sinus pneumatization was rare.

Comparison between two bone substitutes for alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction: Cone-beam computed tomography results of a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To test the non-inferiority of demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) compared to DBBM with 10% collagen (DBBM-C) for maintenance of bone volume after tooth extraction in the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients were randomly treated with DBBM or DBBM-C, both of which were covered with a collagen matrix for ridge preservation in the anterior maxilla. Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis was performed immediately and 4 months after treatment. The primary outcome, for which non-inferiority of DBBM was tested, was change in the horizontal ridge width 1 mm below the buccal alveolar crest (HW-1) 4 months after extraction. RESULTS: Four months after extraction, HW-1 measured -1.60 mm ± 0.82 mm for DBBM-C, while the DBBM group showed a mean loss of -1.37 mm ± 0.84 mm (p = 0.28, 0.23 [95% CI: -0.19; 0.64]). The horizontal ridge width at 3 mm (HW-3) showed -0.98 mm (±0.67 mm) for DBBM-C and -0.84 mm (±0.62 mm) for DBBM (p = 0.40, 0.12 [95% CI: -0.19; 0.45]), and the horizontal ridge width at 5 mm (HW-5) showed -0.67 mm (±0.47 mm) for DBBM-C and -0.56 mm (±0.48 mm) for DBBM (p = 0.36, 0.11 [95% CI: -0.13; 0.34]). CONCLUSIONS: The present clinical trial demonstrated non-inferiority of DBBM compared to DBBM-C for maintenance of alveolar bone volume 4 months after tooth extraction in the anterior maxilla.

Clinical treatment of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis: a case report with 10-year follow-up.

The aim of this case report is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. An 18-year-old man with no systemic problems reported with chief complaints of gingival bleeding during toothbrushing and spontaneous pain. Clinical examination revealed significant plaque accumulation on the surfaces of all teeth as well as papillary necrosis involving mainly the anterior teeth. Treatment included an initial phase of supragingival plaque and calculus removal along with at-home use of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse twice a day for 30 days. After the initial phase, subgingival scaling was performed, and regular oral hygiene methods were resumed by the patient. After active therapy was completed, a periodontal maintenance regimen was established, and the patient was recalled for periodontal maintenance therapy. Follow-up occurred weekly throughout treatment, monthly for the first 6 months posttreatment, and 2-3 times a year during the periodontal maintenance therapy. Clinical results after 10 years showed that this approach controlled the acute phase and maintained the patient's periodontal health over time.

Narrow- and regular-diameter implants in the posterior region of the jaws to support single crowns: A 3-year split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this 3-year split-mouth randomized controlled clinical study was to compare narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) to regular-diameter implants (RDIs) in the posterior region of the jaws (premolars and molars) in regards to (i) the marginal bone level (MBL) and (ii) implant and prosthesis survival and success rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients were included in the study. Each patient received at least one implant of each diameter (Ø3.3 and Ø4.1 mm), placed either in the maxilla or mandible to support single crowns. A total 44 implants (22 NDIs and 22 RDIs) were placed and included in the study. Twenty-one implants were placed in the premolar, whereas 23 were placed in molar areas. Radiographic evaluations to access the MBL were performed immediately after implant placement, 1 and 3 years after implant loading. Peri-implant clinical variables including probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were obtained after crown delivery, 1 and 3 years after loading. Furthermore, the survival and success rates of the implants and prosthesis were also evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients were able to complete the study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding MBL between groups at implant placement (p = .084), 1-year (p = .794) and 3-year (p = .598) time intervals. The mean peri-implant bone loss at 3-year follow-up was -0.58 ± 0.39 mm (95% CI: -0.751 to -0.409) and -0.53 ± 0.46 mm (95% CI: -0.731 to -0.329) for NDIs and RDIs, respectively. BoP was present at 15% and 10% of NDIs and RDIs, respectively, at 3-year follow-up. PPD >5 mm was observed in 5% and 0% of the implants of NDIs and RDIs, respectively, at 3-year follow-up. At the 3-year examination, the implant success rates were in the NDIs and RDIs sites, respectively, 95% and 100%. The corresponding values for prosthesis success rates were 90% for NDIs and 95% for RDIs. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that NDIs placed to support single crowns in the posterior region did not differ to RDIs in regards to MBL, implant survival, and success rates.

Changing the gingival color discrepancy induced by pigmented root using subepithelial connective tissue graft: a case report.

Metallic alloys can suffer corrosion, and metallic posts and cores used for restorative procedures may develop a blue-gray pigmentation in root dentin, which in turn changes the color of gingival tissues. Removing posts and cores may lead to root fracture, and bleaching agents have a limited effect on staining from alloy corrosion. Surgical techniques for correcting undesirable esthetic deficiencies have been investigated in the literature. This article describes the case of a patient with gingival discoloration caused by root pigmentation in the maxillary area. A subepithelial connective graft harvested from the palate was used to treat the gingival color discrepancy.

Management of an extensive soft tissue deficiency prior to immediate implant in the aesthetic zone: a 4-year follow-up.

Soft tissue deficiency in a tooth extraction site in the aesthetic area is a common and challenging clinical situation. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of extensive gingival recession and buccal bone dehiscence associated with a hopeless tooth. Initially, a connective tissue graft was used to cover the root and thicken the soft tissue. After 2 months, the tooth was extracted, an implant was immediately placed, and a temporary restoration was installed. After 3 months, the soft tissue exhibited a natural and harmonious architecture. A custom zirconia abutment and crown were then fabricated and placed. At the 4-year follow-up, the peri-implant tissue displayed satisfactory aesthetics, with a well-structured buccal bone plate and healthy peri-implant indicators. This two-stage approach, addressing gingival recession first and proceeding with immediate implant placement after soft tissue healing, proved to be a safe and effective method with stable long-term results.

Digital Three-dimensional Assessment of Free Gingival Graft Remodeling over 12 months.

OBJECTIVE: To digitally evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) remodelling of FGG used to treat RT2 gingival recession and lack of keratinized tissue on mandibular incisor teeth. METHODS: Data from 45 patients included in a previous multicentric RCT were analyzed. Silicone impressions were taken before (baseline) and 3, 6 and 12 months after standardized FGG placement. Casts were scanned and images were superimposed, using digital software, to obtain measurements of estimated soft tissue thickness (eTT; 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to baseline gingival margin). In addition, soft tissue volume (STV) and creeping attachment (CA) were assessed. RESULTS: All patients exhibited postoperative eTT and STV increases, at all time points. The greatest mean thickness gain was observed at eTT3 (1.0 ± 0.4mm) at 12 months. At 12 months, STV was 52.3 ± 21.1 mm3, without relevant changes compared to the 3- and 6-month follow-up. CA, which was observed as early as six months postoperatively, was evident in ∼85% of teeth at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Application of FGG was an effective phenotype modification therapy, as shown by the significantly increased tissue thickness postoperatively. Despite the use of FGG technique not aiming for root coverage, digital 3D assessment documented the early and frequent postoperative occurrence of CA, which helped improve recession treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of 3D assessment methodology allows precise identification of the tissue gain obtained with FGG, which, regardless of technique, results in predictable phenotype modification and frequent occurrence of creeping attachment.

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) compensates the negative effect of smoking around implants.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone (PTH 1-34) on attenuating the influence of cigarette smoke on bone around titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar rats were used. At the beginning of the study, 15 animals were randomly assigned to Group 1 (control) and received subcutaneous injections of saline solution, three-times/week, after implant placement. The other animals received intermittent cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI), 60 days prior and 60 days after implant placement ( Al 2 O 3 -blasted titanium implants - 4.0 × 2.2 mm). After surgery, these animals were randomly assigned to: Group 2 - subcutaneous injections of saline solution, three-times/week (n = 16) and Group 3 - intermittent doses of PTH (1-34) (40 µg/Kg), three-times/week (n = 17). Animals were sacrificed 60 days after surgery, and degree of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone area (BA) within the limits of the threads and proportion of mineralized tissue (PMT) adjacent to the implants (500 µm wide zone) were separately obtained in cortical and cancellous bone. RESULTS: Data analysis confirmed that CSI negatively affects bone around implants, as observed for BIC in cortical zone (Cohen's d (d) = -1.26) and for PMT in both zones (d = -6.09 and d = -4.46 for cortical and cancellous zones, respectively). In addition, in the presence of CSI, PTH (1-34) promoted the highest BIC in both regions and BA and PMT in cancellous bone (P < 0.05). The histometric parameter that was not influenced by both PTH and CSI (1-34) was BA in cortical bone (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the presence of cigarette smoke, a factor related to poor bone healing and low bone density, PTH (1-34) increased bone volume around implants.

Conventional versus flap-protected free gingival graft: a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of a modified gingival graft technique, in which the released flap is positioned and sutured over the graft, with the conventional free gingival graft (FGG) procedure, when both are used for gingival augmentation. A 12-month, multicenter parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Subjects with buccal RT2 gingival recessions and keratinized tissue width (KTW) < 2 mm in at least one mandibular incisor were randomized to control group (n = 20; conventional FGG) or test group (n = 20; modified FGG; flap sutured over FGG using sling sutures). The primary outcome (KTW) was measured at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months, as was keratinized tissue thickness (KTT). Postoperative pain (POP) and analgesic intake were also recorded. Both techniques promoted a significant increase in KTW and KTT when compared to baseline (p < 0.05) with no significant differences between groups (KTW change of 6.1±1.5 mm and 5.4±1.6 mm, for control and test, respectively; p=0.16). However, test group patients reported less POP after 7 days and used less analgesic medication than control group patients (p < 0.05). We concluded that the modified FGG was comparable to conventional FGG in augmenting keratinized tissue width and thickness at mandibular incisors, but resulted in less patient morbidity.

Mandibular molar rehabilitation using orthodontic extrusion associated with odontoplasty.

The aim of this clinical report is to describe the successful treatment of a mandibular first molar presenting an extensive fracture at the buccal aspect in a young patient. The extension of the fracture was a negative prognostic factor for tooth maintenance. An alternative clinical treatment was proposed since the patient was young and presented with good oral hygiene and periodontal health. The treatment was based on orthodontic forced eruption associated with odontoplasty. A 3-year follow-up after the surgical procedure demonstrated the maintenance of periodontal health and good plaque control. It can be concluded that orthodontic forced eruption associated with odontoplasty promoted favorable conditions for prosthetic rehabilitation and is a feasible procedure in the treatment of tooth fracture extended below the cementoenamel junction.

Simultaneous Assessment of Soft and Hard Tissue Behaviors After Alveolar Ridge Preservation Using Bone Substitutes.

This study aimed to simultaneously assess hard and soft tissues alterations and their proportions after alveolar ridge preservation (ARP). Participants (n = 65) who were previously enrolled in a clinical trial investigating ARP healing were selected. The CBCT DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) and the cast STL (stereolithographic) files of each subject were imported, segmented, and superimposed. A cross-section view of the superimposed image presented the outlines from each DICOM and STL file. The center of preserved ridge was selected in the superimposed image and used to draw the reference lines to realize the measurements. Horizontal linear measurements determined ridge width (RW) and its respective hard/soft tissue proportion (H:S) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm below the buccal bone crest immediately after ARP and at the 4-month follow-up. At 1 mm, the baseline RW was 11.6 mm and reduced to 10 mm after 4 months. The baseline H:S was 65%:35% and was 43%:57% at the 4-month follow-up. Considering only the buccal half of the ridge, baseline H:S was 77%:23%, while after 4 months it shifted to 58%:42%. A similar pattern was observed at 3, 5, and 7 mm but with decreased resorption degree. The present study showed that hard tissue is mostly responsible for RW loss after healing, especially in the first 3 mm below the buccal bone crest. Soft tissue partially compensated for the hard tissue shrinkage, gaining thickness in the analyzed areas.

Treatment of multiple recessions with collagen matrix versus connective tissue: a randomized clinical trial.

The objective of this study was to determine whether collagen matrix (CM) is an alternative to connective tissue graft technique (CTG) in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR). The indication of CM for the treatment of multiple GR is not yet clear. More studies are needed to better understand this treatment modality, as an alternative to CTG. In this single-blind, split-mouth randomized clinical trial, fifteen patients with multiple Miller class I upper GR were selected and randomly assigned to control group (CTG) or test group (CM). Root coverage (RC) and patient-centered outcomes were evaluated at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. A total of 82 GRs were treated. There was no significant difference regarding GR depth (GRD, primary outcome) between CTG (0.5 ± 0.9 mm) and CM groups (0.6 ± 1.0 mm) (p = 0.225). Percentage of RC was 82.14% in CTG and 77.7% in CM. Both groups demonstrated a gain in keratinized tissue width at 12 months (p < 0.05). Dentine hypersensitivity was effectively reduced in both groups. Postoperative pain was significantly higher in the CTG (p = 0.001). Esthetic satisfaction was high for both groups, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between groups. After 12 months, both surgical treatments were able to promote RC, and GRD was similar in both CTG and CM groups.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels after surgical anti-infective mechanical therapy for peri-implantitis: a 12-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present case series was to evaluate the effects of a surgical anti-infective mechanical therapy for peri-implantitis on clinical parameters and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels at 12 months post-therapy. METHODS: Ten patients with peri-implantitis were treated with open surgical debridement, abrasive sodium carbonate air-powder, and resin curets. Clinical parameters were recorded before and 3 and 12 months after therapy. At these time points, the total amounts of TNF-alpha in the peri-implant crevicular fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: At 3 and 12 months, the anti-infective therapy resulted in significant improvements in all clinical parameters (P <0.05). Moreover, the total amount of TNF-alpha was significantly reduced at 3 and 12 months after therapy compared to baseline (P <0.05), paralleling the changes in mean probing depth and bleeding on probing. CONCLUSION: The anti-infective mechanical therapy reduced the crevicular levels of TNF-alpha in sites affected by peri-implantitis over a period of 12 months, and this phenomenon was associated with improvements in clinical parameters.

Effect of Different Doses of Synthetic Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) on Bone around Implants: a Preclinical Rat Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a lower dose of parathyroid hormone- PTH (1-34) on osteogenic potential of bone healing around titanium implants inserted into the tibia of rats. A blind parallel study was conducted in 45 adult male Wistar rats. Each rat received one titanium implant (4.5 x 2.2 mm) and was randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous injections, three times/week for 30 days, of the following treatments: group 1 - 40 µg/kg of PTH (1-34) (n=15); group 2 - 2 µg/kg of PTH (1-34) (n=15) and; group 3 - only the vehicle required for hormone dissolution (n=15). Thirty days after surgery, the animals were sacrificed and specimens containing the implant and the surrounding bone were removed and processed for non-decalcified sections. The sections were evaluated according to the following histometric parameters: proportion of mineralized tissue (PMT) adjacent to the implant threads (500 µm band); bone filling within the limits of the threads (BF) and; bone-to-implant contact (BIC). For the cortical region, both hormone dosages (groups 1 and 2) promoted better results, for all parameters, when compared to control group (p<0.05). Similar results were observed for the BF parameter in the cancellous region (p=0.0394). Therefore, systemic administration of PTH (1-34) stimulates bone formation around titanium implants, even at low doses.

Maxillary sinus floor pneumatization and alveolar ridge resorption after tooth loss: a cross-sectional study.

This is a cross-sectional study that aimed to estimate maxillary sinus floor (MSF) pneumatization in single missing tooth of posterior maxilla, by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images were analyzed bilaterally and divided into 2 groups: edentulous site (EdS) - edentulous single region of upper second premolar, first or second molars; Tooth site (TS) - contralateral region homologous to the EdS region, with tooth present. Variables evaluated were: sinus height (SH), estimated sinus pneumatization (eSP: ∆ EdS - TS), healed ridge height (HR) and presence of localized sinus pneumatization (LSP) in molars teeth at TS. HR were categorized according to therapeutic option for posterior maxilla. 183 CBCT scans were included and it was observed that EdS presented a higher SH than the TS (p < 0.001) showing an eSP of 0.9 ± 2.93 mm. First molars presented the highest SH for both sides, although significant differences were detected when compared to second molars. First molars were mostly affected by LSP at TS (36 out of 43). Individuals with LSP at TS presented lower HR than the ones without LSP (p < 0.05). 54% of the cases presenting LSP obtained HR < 5 mm, which indicates sinus lift surgery. The present study showed that tooth loss in posterior maxilla favors sinus pneumatization and the identification of LSP at molar roots seems to indicate a greater necessity for sinus lift surgeries.

Conventional versus flap-protected free gingival graft: a multicenter randomized clinical trial

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of a modified gingival graft technique, in which the released flap is positioned and sutured over the graft, with the conventional free gingival graft (FGG) procedure, when both are used for gingival augmentation. A 12-month, multicenter parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Subjects with buccal RT2 gingival recessions and keratinized tissue width (KTW) < 2 mm in at least one mandibular incisor were randomized to control group (n = 20; conventional FGG) or test group (n = 20; modified FGG; flap sutured over FGG using sling sutures). The primary outcome (KTW) was measured at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months, as was keratinized tissue thickness (KTT). Postoperative pain (POP) and analgesic intake were also recorded. Both techniques promoted a significant increase in KTW and KTT when compared to baseline (p < 0.05) with no significant differences between groups (KTW change of 6.1±1.5 mm and 5.4±1.6 mm, for control and test, respectively; p=0.16). However, test group patients reported less POP after 7 days and used less analgesic medication than control group patients (p < 0.05). We concluded that the modified FGG was comparable to conventional FGG in augmenting keratinized tissue width and thickness at mandibular incisors, but resulted in less patient morbidity.

Effect of cigarette smoke inhalation and estrogen deficiency on bone healing around titanium implants: a histometric study in rats.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI) and estrogen deficiency (OVX) may affect bone quality around titanium implants; however, their association has not been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the effects of CSI associated with OVX on bone healing around titanium implants. METHODS: The tibia surface of 45 female Wistar rats was surgically exposed, and screw-shaped titanium implants were placed. The animals were randomly assigned to OVX (ovariectomized rats; n = 15), SHAM (sham-operated rats; n = 15), and CSI + OVX (4 months of intermittent cigarette smoke inhalation, starting 2 months before implant placement in ovariectomized rats; n = 15). The implants were placed at the time of OVX or SHAM surgery. After 60 days, the animals were sacrificed and undecalcified sections obtained. The percentages of mineralized tissue (bone density [BD]) in a 500-microm-wide zone lateral to the implant, bone filling (BF) within the limits of the threads, and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) were measured in cortical (zone A) and cancellous (zone B) bone. RESULTS: In zone A, the CSI + OVX group showed a significant difference regarding BIC and BD (P <0.05) compared to the other groups. In zone B, data analysis showed that the CSI + OVX group presented the lowest percentage of BD and BIC, followed by the OVX and SHAM groups, respectively (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that cigarette smoke inhalation amplified the deleterious effects of estrogen deficiency, affecting both preexisting and newly formed bone in the cortical and cancellous bone around titanium implants.

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

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