Advanced Clinical Case Study

Management of a Failing Dental Implant

The patient presented with a previously placed dental implant in the upper jaw, with localised discomfort, bleeding on probing and advanced crestal bone loss around the implant associated with peri-implantitis. A staged prosthodontic and surgical revision plan was considered to manage the affected site and surrounding structures.

01

Assessing the Implant Complication

Clinical and radiographic assessment identified advanced bone loss affecting more than 50% of the implant fixture length, together with chronic inflammatory soft-tissue changes. The implant position and the historical cement-retained crown were considered among the factors that may have contributed to the complication.

  • High-resolution 3D CBCT bone assessment
  • Clinical evaluation of peri-implant mucosal parameters
  • Digital occlusal assessment and bite registration
  • Digital intraoral scanning
  • Microbiological assessment of peri-implant microflora

02

Site Management & Implant Removal

The affected implant was carefully removed using low-torque instrumentation. The local site was debrided and cleaned according to the planned clinical protocol before the regenerative stage was considered.

03

Guided Bone Regeneration & Site Preservation

Following implant removal, a significant bone defect remained. Guided bone regeneration was undertaken using autogenous bone particles together with a bone-substitute material selected for this case.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), prepared from the patient’s own blood, was used as an adjunct to support clot stability and the early healing environment.

A lightweight, non-load-bearing provisional restoration was provided to maintain the appearance of the area while limiting pressure on the healing site.

04

Reassessment, Implant Placement & Restoration

After a monitored healing period of approximately six months, the regenerated site was reassessed clinically and with CBCT imaging. A new implant was placed in the planned restorative position. Following the required integration period, a screw-retained porcelain implant crown was fitted and the bite was reviewed.

05

Maintenance & Ongoing Review

The final crown was designed with attention to emergence profile, cleansability and functional loading. An individual three-month periodontal and restorative review interval was recommended initially, with future frequency determined by clinical findings and risk.

About this patient case

This case describes one patient's assessment and treatment. Implant complications, available treatment options, healing, maintenance requirements and outcomes vary. It does not guarantee that another patient will be suitable for the same pathway or experience the same result.