Algorithm 3.6: Infection
Fig. 3.16. Peri‐implantitis leading to bone loss (crater‐like defect).
Table 3.5. Peri‐implant mucositis versus peri‐implantitis
| Clinical parameter | Peri‐implant mucositis | Peri‐implantitis |
|---|---|---|
| Increased probing depth | +/− | + |
| BOP | + | + |
| Suppuration | +/− | + |
| Implant mobility | − | +/− |
| Radiographic bone loss | − | + |
Fig. 3.17. Periapical radiograph showing bone loss due to peri‐implantitis.
A clear distinction needs to be made between increased probing depths around a dental implant and an established diagnosis of peri‐implantitis. Often bone levels around the implant may be ideal; however, a soft tissue pannus formation, in the form of a gingival pseudo‐pocket, may lead inexperienced clinicians to diagnosis a case of peri‐implantitis [36]. Although this excessive pseudo‐pocket is not ideal and can lead to oral hygiene issues with eventual bone loss, this is not an inevitable consequence. With meticulous oral hygiene maintenance and close follow‐up, this region can often be maintained without any untoward effects. In certain circumstances, gingivectomy may be required for excessive soft tissue, but careful attention must be paid to not affect the esthetic outcomes of the soft tissues, especially in the anterior esthetic zone. Once a diagnosis of peri‐implantitis has been established, the clinician must control the contributing factors, assess the presence of keratinized tissue, and evaluate the implant surface, implant location, restorative issues, and the presence of parafunctional habits [37]. Since these factors have been discussed previously, the discussion will focus on the surgical management of the implant with localized bone loss and inflammation with the understanding that other contributing factors have been addressed in order to optimize the outcome. Many of the initial stages of peri‐implantitis can be managed similar to periodontal disease. Nonsurgical peri‐implant debridement includes chemical and mechanical debridement. Chemical debridement with various topical agents such as chlorhexidine, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and tetracycline can be used. Mechanical debridement with implant scalers, titanium brushes, and lasers can be used. These techniques should be combined with patient education on the use of meticulous oral hygiene to help decrease peri‐implant soft tissue inflammation allowing for increased tissue adherence (soft tissue seal) around the implant fixture [38]. This increased tissue tone decreases bacterial migration along the implant surface and can prevent further infection and bone loss. More advanced cases of peri‐implantitis, with up to 50% bone loss, must be assessed regarding a guarded long‐term implant prognosis. If the implant is deemed salvageable, this will require open surgical debridement, bone grafting with guided tissue membrane regeneration, and temporary removal of the existing restoration [39]. Once appropriate bone and soft tissue healing has occurred, with evidence of adequate osseous regeneration around the implant, the implant may be uncovered and prosthetically restored. Peri‐implantitis that has progressed to greater than 50% bone loss, implant mobility, and recurring infections often necessitate implant removal and bone grafting with delayed implant replacement and restoration (Algorithm 3.7).
Algorithm 3.7: Peri‐implantitis
Implant Fracture
There are a variety of biomechanical and prosthetic complications of implant dentistry (Table 3.6), and fracture of dental implants and fractured implant components are other complications that have become more common with the increased number of implants being placed by dentists and specialists. From a prosthodontic standpoint, porcelain fractures from an implant crown are managed the same as porcelain fractures from a crown on a natural tooth (Figure 3.18). If the crown is screw‐retained, it is removed easily, and repaired or replaced. With regard to fractured components within the body of the dental implant (e.g., abutment screws, cover screws, healing abutments), the process is more complex, since if the fractured components cannot be retrieved the implant will require removal and replacement [40]. Once identified, the loose portions of the fractured implant or components should be removed in order to avoid aspiration or ingestion (Figure 3.19). Ideally, blind attempts at retrieval should be avoided since this may lead to the fractured foreign body becoming permanently lodged in the implant necessitating implant removal, even with integrated implants, since they will not be able to be restored properly. Visualization of the internal channel of the implant can be extremely difficult, especially in the posterior maxilla and mandible, and for this reason magnification is required when attempting to retrieve a broken screw or other part within an implant body. There are several commercially available screw retrieval kits on the market that can assist in removal of fractured implant components. These must be used with caution since they often involve the use of rotary instrumentation within the delicate inner channel of the implant and iatrogenic damage will also require implant removal. In many cases, the fractured screw or implant part can be removed with basic dental hygiene instruments and some patience. Once the fractured screw is