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Therapeutic Area: Peri-Implantitis

BIOBRIEF
Prosthetic-Surgical Approach to Regenerative Treatment for Peri-Implantitis



THE SITUATION
A 68-year-old male patient, who received an implant in tooth position #31 about 8 years prior, presented for an examination. He reports bleeding during brushing around the implant and some discomfort. Clinically, there was severe vertical bone loss, profuse bleeding on probing, and deep probing depths, but no pain. The condition was diagnosed as peri-implantitis according to the 2018 classification.
THE RISK PROFILE
Low Risk | Medium Risk | High Risk | |
---|---|---|---|
Patient’s health | Intact immune system | Light smoker | Impaired immune system |
Patient’s esthetic requirements | Low | Medium | High |
Height of smile line | Low | Medium | High |
Gingival biotype | Thick – “low scalloped” | Medium – “medium scalloped” | Thin – “high scalloped” |
Infection at implant sight | None | Chronic | Acute |
Restorative status of adjacent tooth | Intact | Restored | |
Soft-tissue anatomy | Intact | Compromised | |
Bone anatomy of the alveolar ridge | No defect | Horizontal defect | Vertical defect |
Additional Risk Factors: The patient exhibited bleeding on probing and deep pocket depths. He also reported occasional marijuana use and was inconsistent with periodontal maintenance and oral hygiene visits.
THE APPROACH
The treatment goals were to eliminate peri-implant infection, regenerate lost hard and soft tissues, and ensure long-term implant stability. A closed regenerative approach was utilized, including crown removal, thorough implant decontamination with Perioflow®, an airpolishing technology, application of the correct bone grafting materials (Geistlich Bio-Oss®, vallos® and GEM 21S®), enclosed healing, and fabrication of a new crown to facilitate hygiene.
“The implant presented with significant bone loss, deep probing depths, and bleeding on probing, placing it at risk of failure and requiring intervention to preserve function and longevity.”
— Andrea Ravidà, DDS, MS, PhD
THE OUTCOME
At the two-year follow-up, clinical and radiographic assessments showed disease resolution, complete bone gain, and stable peri-implant tissues. Probing depths were within healthy ranges, and no bleeding on probing was observed, confirming the long-term success of the treatment.


Andrea Ravidà, DDS, MS, PhD
Dr. Andrea Ravidà is the Director of the Graduate Periodontics Program in the department of Periodontics at the University of Pittsburgh. He conducts clinical research focusing on peri-implantitis, periodontitis and short implants. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles and conference abstracts/presentations related to periodontics and implant therapy. He is section editor of the International Journal of Oral Implantology and the Journal of Translational Medicine.

Anu Viswanathan DDS, MDS
Dr. Anu Viswanathan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2019. Dr. Viswanathan completed a Certificate in Periodontics and earned a Master of Dental Science at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She also obtained a Certificate in IV Sedation. Dr. Viswanathan is currently in private practice in Shoreline, Connecticut.

BIOBRIEF
Clinical Efficacy of Geistlich Mucograft® in Regeneration of Oral Mucosa Combined with the Surgical Treatment of Peri-implantitis in Implants with Lack of Keratinized Tissue



THE SITUATION
Adult patient, non-smoker and without relevant systemic history, attends to clinic referring peri-implant tissue inflammation, bleeding and brushing discomfort around her implant in the upper jaw. Clinically peri-implant pocket depth > 5 mm, bleeding and suppuration on probing were observed. Furthermore, the implant presented < 2 mm of keratinized mucosa and radiographic horizontal bone loss.
THE RISK PROFILE
Low Risk | Medium Risk | High Risk | |
---|---|---|---|
Patient’s health | Intact immune system Non-smoker | Light smoker | Impaired immune system Heavy smoker |
Patient’s esthetic requirements | Low | Medium | High |
Height of smile line | Low | Medium | High |
Gingival biotype | Thick – “low scalloped” | Medium – “medium scalloped” | Thin – “high scalloped” |
Shape of dental crowns | Rectangular | Triangular | |
Infection at implant sight | None | Chronic | Acute |
Bone height at adjacent tooth site | ≤ 5 mm from contact point | 5.5 – 6.5 mm from contact point | ≥ 7 mm from contact point |
Restorative status of adjacent tooth | Intact | Restored | |
Width of tooth gap | 1 tooth (≥ 7 mm) | 1 tooth (≤ 7 mm) | 2 teeth or more |
Soft-tissue anatomy | Intact | Compromised | |
Bone anatomy of the alveolar ridge | No defect | Horizontal defect | Vertical defect |
THE APPROACH
Intrasulcular incision was made and a mucosal partial thickness flap was raised. The recipient site was prepared by sharp disection in order to create a periosteal bed free of any muscle attachment. Peri-implant granulation tissue was removed and implantoplasty was performed. Finally, Geistlich Mucograft® was used to support the gain of keratinized tissue. Thus, the collagen matrix was sutured with the resulting flap apically at the base of the newly created vestibulum.
Absence of > 2 mm of keratinized mucosa was associated with peri-implant soft-tissue inflammation, bleeding and discomfort on brushing.
THE OUTCOME
After two years follow-up, the successful outcome can be observed in terms of clinical peri-implant parameters, gain of keratinized mucosa without significant graft shrinkage and stability of vertical position of the mucosal margin.


Dr. Alberto Ortiz-Vigón
- DDS from the University of the Basque Country
- MSc and PhD in bone regeneration from the University Complutense of Madrid (UCM)
- Master in Periodontology and Implant dentistry from the EFP
- Research fellowship at the University of Gothenburg
- MBA from the Deusto Business School
- Assistant professor and clinical researcher at UCM and ThinkingPerio Research
- PerioCentrum Clinic in Bilbao
- Co-founder of ARC Healthtech Innovation Holding
- Socially engaged & NGO co-founder of Smile is a Foundation

Dr. Erik Regidor Correa
- DDS from the University of the Basque Country
- MSc from the U. of the Basque Country
- Master in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry U. of the Basque Country
- PhD student in the U. of the Basque Country
- Assistant professor and clinical researcher ThinkingPerio Research
