Guided Bone Regeneration for the Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: Clinical Case Report 2 of 8
in-volves inflammation of soft tissues, bleeding and/or suppuration, increased probing
depth, and clinical and bone attachment loss [1, 4].
However, literature evidence suggests that peri-implantitis lesions exhibit larger in-
flammatory infiltrates extending apically into bone and do not reside in established sites
as seen in periodontitis lesions [5, 6]. The morphology of peri-implant connective tissue
is similar to natural dentition, except for the absence of periodontal ligament, cementum,
and inserted fibers, and a lower bone level. In natural dentition, the epithelium is more
adhered and includes gingival fiber insertion into the tooth surface, whereas in implants,
gingival connective tissue fibers are juxtaposed only to the surface of the prosthetic com-
ponent or implant without insertion [7].
Regarding the clinical consequences of peri-implantitis, periodontal bone destruc-
tion manifests as horizontal or vertical bone defects, depending on the direction and ex-
tent of apical lesion development caused by plaque accumulation. The primary treatment
approach for this condition involves reducing bacterial load below the gingival margin
through mechanical means, such as oral hygiene instruction including brushing, or non-
surgical periodontal therapy such as scaling and root planing [8]. Various methods have
been documented in the literature for peri-implantitis treatment (mechanical, chemical,
physical-chemical, among others), but none have been definitively effective in eliminat-
ing bacteria from contaminated implant sur-faces. Therefore, clinical protocols for treat-
ing peri-implantitis have been identified, including non-surgical, surgical, resective, re-
generative, and combined techniques [9, 10].]
In cases where patient hygiene is challenging or pocket morphology hinders operator
visualization and tactile sensation, surgical alternatives are recommended, such as open
flap debridement and closure of periodontal pockets, including guided tissue regeneration
(GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). GTR involves the regeneration of bone,
periodontal ligament, and cementum around natural teeth, while GBR focuses on alveo-
lar ridge growth [11]. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a bone grafting technique using
a barrier membrane to prevent soft tissue invasion and can be indicated for regenerating
periodontal or peri-implant pockets. The surgical precision of this technique depends on
the quantity and size of remaining bone walls [12]. The application of this surgical method
for vertical and horizontal bone gain is a predictable approach that corrects peri-implant
bone defects [13].
Advancements in biomaterials in dentistry and surgical techniques have enabled the
integration of guided bone regeneration (GBR) as an effective alternative for challenging
cases. GBR, proposed in the late 1970s, involves hindering the migration of undesired
cells by adapting a barrier membrane to the area requiring reconstruction [14]. The barrier
membrane ensures stability of the bone graft, preventing soft tissue collapse into the de-
fect and inhibiting migration of non-osteogenic cells while concentrating growth factors
[14]. Mechanical protection of the clot is achieved through a barrier membrane, promot-
ing migration and proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells and preventing colonization of
soft tissues within the defect [15, 16].
Wound dehiscence and membrane exposure are the most common complications
following guided bone regeneration, potentially leading to postoperative infection, inad-
equate bone healing, and graft material loss. Factors contributing to wound dehiscence
include improper flap design, soft tissue tension, excessive graft material, trauma from
provisional prostheses, and traumatic chewing or tooth brushing [12]. Therefore, tension-
free flap closure is crucial for ensuring the technique's efficacy [14].
Guided bone regeneration also ensures three-dimensional repair, essential for precise
implant placement and final aesthetics, with fewer disadvantages compared to other tech-
niques [17]. This surgical procedure is an effective means for reconstructing atrophic
ridges and is currently considered a standard therapeutic technique for bone defect regen-
eration in implantology, oral, and maxillofacial surgery [18]. Thus, the reported case in-
volves guided bone regeneration (GBR) for a two-wall peri-implant bone defect, demon-
strating complete defect reconstruction and peri-implant bone gain.