Peri-implantitis therapy

While mucositis can still be treated well with ultrasound, powder jet and antibiotic therapy, peri-implantitis can no longer be treated without surgery.

However, if the biofilm has already reached the rough microstructured surfaces of the implant body and a loss of bone and mucosa has occurred, reconstructive surgery is required. This layer cannot be removed purely mechanically. Inflamed tissue, bacterial endotoxins and concrements can only be removed from the rough implant surface with a suitable laser. Although so-called antimicrobial photodynamic therapy works on the bacteria, it does not sufficiently destroy and remove the biofilm.

However, not every laser is suitable. If too much heat is generated, the implant surface is damaged; if the power is too low, the implant is not sufficiently decontaminated. The devices from Waterlase (Er,Cr:YSGG laser technology), which operate in the mid-infrared range, achieve maximum absorption in the water and thus destroy the entire biofilm. Compressed air and water also remove toxins and calculus. Waterlase devices have a bactericidal potential and thus a biologically acceptable implant surface is achieved again.

According to the latest scientific findings, this peri-implantitis therapy is one of the most modern methods in the fight against peri-implantitis: “According to all clinical results to date, Waterlase devices are excellently suited for the effective treatment of marginal periodontal disease and peri-implantitis.“ (Source). However, working with this technology requires a great deal of experience on the part of the treating dentist. If this experience and care is available, everything speaks in favor of peri-implantitis therapy with Waterlase:

Most infected implants can be saved with the latest laser technology: implant restoration with Waterlase reduces pain, enables bone augmentation on the cleaned (decontaminated) implant surface and reduces costs. Antibiotic therapy is essential from the first day of treatment.

• The procedure can be completed in just one day.
• Compared to alternative methods or removal of the implant, restoration generally saves pain and costs.
• This procedure can be performed by surgically active laser users (dental lasers with a special wavelength) throughout Germany: Arrival, treatment and return journey are possible from all over Germany in one day – even for several implants (individual coordination required depending on the number of implants).
• The preliminary examination is usually possible as a reliable remote diagnosis – via video consultation, Skype and Whatsapp as well as current X-ray images. An additional arrival and departure is not necessary.
• The costs for a simple implant rescue (without additional surgical preparation and accompanying measures) start at around € 500 for an implant.
• Some private health insurance companies cover the costs. Unfortunately, those with compulsory insurance without supplementary insurance must bear the costs themselves.

In any case, it is essential to consider restoring the affected implant after peri-implantitis. A second or third opinion by an experienced laser user can be the salvation for an implant and the cure for peri-implantitis.