Abstract

We report the eventually successful treatment of a huge bone defect and peri-implantitis following reconstruction of a previously failed intra-mobile cylinder implant system (IMZ) implant site using distraction osteogenesis (DO). In the anterior mandible, two IMZ implants failed and surgical de-bridement was performed in accordance to the patient’s needs. Thereafter, mobility and suppuration were decreased and the patient visited the dental clinic on a regular basis for oral health maintenance. However, the inflammationdid not resolve, and the bone destruction around the implants pro-gressed for 4 years. Finally, the implants failed and a severe bone defect remained after implant removal. To reconstruct the bone defects, we attempted bone graft procedures. Titanium mesh was unsuccessfully used to obtain bone volume regeneration. However, DO subsequently was used to obtain sufficientbone volume for implant placement. The new implants were then installed, followed by prosthetic procedures. In conclusion, progression of peri-implantitis could not be arrested despite surgical intervention and repeated maintenance care for 3 years. Reconstruction of the peri-implantitis site was complicated due to its horizontal and vertical bone defects. Lesions caused by implant failure require an aggressive regenerative strategy, such as DO. DO was successful in reconstruction of a peri-implantitis site that was complicated due to horizontal and vertical bone defects.