Supportive peri‐implant therapy following anti‐infective surgical peri‐implantitis treatment: 5‐year survival and success

Abstract Objectives To evaluate clinical outcomes of supportive peri‐implant therapy ( SPIT ) following surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis. Materials and methods Twenty‐four partially dentate patients with 36 dental implants diagnosed with peri‐implantitis were treated by an anti‐infective surgical protocol followed by regular supportive therapy. SPIT included removal of supra‐ and submucosal biofilm at the treated implants using titanium or carbon fibre curettes, or ultrasonic devices. In addition, professional prophylaxis (calculus/biofilm removal) at other implants/teeth and oral hygiene reinforcement was provided. Clinical measurements and radiographs were obtained at 1, 3 and 5 years. A successful treatment outcome was defined as implant survival with the absence of peri‐implant probing depths ( PD ) ≥ 5 mm with concomitant bleeding/suppuration and absence of progression of peri‐implant bone loss. Results Twelve months after treatment, there was 100% survival of the treated implants and 79% of patients (19 of 24) had a successful treatment outcome according to the defined success criteria. At 3 years, 75% of the patients (18 of 24) had a successful treatment outcome, two patients (8%) were lost to follow‐up ( LTF ), while 8% lost an implant, and two patients had recurrence of peri‐implantitis. Between 3 and 5 years, an additional two patients were LTF , and an additional two patients each lost one implant. Thus, at 5 years 63% of patients (15 of 24) had a successful treatment outcome. Complete resolution of peri‐implantitis, defined as absence of bleeding at all sites, was achieved in 42% of implants ( N = 15) at 5 years. Conclusion Five years following regular supportive therapy, the peri‐implant conditions established following peri‐implantitis surgery were maintained in the majority of patients and implants. Some patients had recurrence of peri‐implantitis and some lost implants over the 5‐year period.