Regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis bone defects with a combination of autologous bone and a demineralized xenogenic bone graft: a series of 36 defects.

Aim: As the treatment of peri-implantitis-induced bone loss is still a problem, we studied the regenerative treatment of these defects with a mix of autologous bone and a new type of bone graft substitute (demineralized xenogenic bone graft) including growth factors.

Material And Methods: In a prospective manner, 36 cases of peri-implantitis-induced bone loss (depth >4 mm) in 22 patients were followed for 1 year. After resolving the acute infection by local rinsing, granulation tissue was removed. The implants were decontaminated with etching gel and the defects were filled with autologous bone mixed 1:1 with a xenogenic bone graft. The prosthetic reconstructions did not have to be removed. Values of probing depths as well as bone defects were analyzed.

Results: The radiologic evaluation of the bone defects after regenerative treatment revealed a mean reduction of 3.5 mm comparing the values from 5.1 mm prior to surgery to 1.6 mm 1 year after treatment. Average reduction of the probing depth was 4 mm. The remaining bone defects were larger than 3 mm in 4 out of 36 implants 1 year after treatment. Probing depths of more than 4 mm were present in seven implants.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, we conclude that for bone defects larger than 4 mm in case of peri-implantitis, this single surgical intervention provided a reliable method to reduce bone defects.