Repair of peri-implant bone loss after occlusal adjustment: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis generally is attributed to a bacterial challenge, with occlusion being a modifying factor. The author presents a case of peri-implant marginal bone loss that was treated successfully with only occlusal adjustment. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 63-year-old female patient with a history of bruxism reported for a yearly periodontal examination 38 months after restoration of an implant in the tooth no. 30 position. A radiograph indicated that this implant had significant peri-implant bone loss. The evaluation showed very heavy occlusion on the implant restoration, and the author performed an occlusal adjustment. A radiograph obtained five months later showed significant repair of the lost alveolar bone. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients with dental implants require periodic examination and maintenance therapy to prevent peri-implantitis. The examination should include a periodontal, prosthetic, radiographic and occlusal evaluation.