Surface Analysis Due to Implantoplasty of Failed Dental Implants Using Laser Topography - An Experimental In-Vitro Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory reaction surrounding the hard and soft tissues of the implant that is functional in the patient's mouth. If left untreated, this might lead to further bone loss, loosening of the implant and the ultimate failure of the implant. There are many treatment modalities that have been suggested to treat periimplantitis, but there are no set guidelines or protocols for the same. Implantoplasty seems to be a viable option for treating peri-implantitis, as it involves the smoothening of the macro geometry of the supracrestal exposed implant surface thus reducing the plaque accumulation and ultimately preventing the bacterial recolonization and preventing the implant from failure. This study was done to evaluate the smoothness and the fracture resistance of the implants treated by implantoplasty and as an effective treatment for peri-implantitis. METHODS This in-vitro study was done on 5 failed implants, in which 4 were subjected to a sequence of dental burs and prophy paste and 1 implant was kept as a control. They were subjected to laser topography analysis to determine the smoothness after implantoplasty, and their fracture resistance was also checked in Instron. RESULTS Implant no. 4 subjected to both dental burs and prophy paste was considered to be the smoothest with the laser topography of 2.049 mm compared to the control that was 3.132 mm. Also, the fracture resistance between the implants and the control was similar. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion implantoplasty is a suggested treatment option for patients with periimplantitis keeping in mind the practical difficulties of the procedure. KEY WORDS Peri-Implantitis, Implantoplasty, Dental Burs, Surface Analysis