Accuracy of bone-level assessments following reconstructive surgical treatment of experimental peri-implantitis

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bone-level assessments using either cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), intra-oral peri-apical (PA) radiographs or histology following reconstructive treatment of experimental peri-implantitis.

Materials and methods: Six Labrador dogs were used. Experimental peri-implantitis was induced 3 months after implant placement. Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis was performed and peri-implant defects were allocated to one of four treatment categories; no augmentation, bone graft materials with or without a barrier membrane. Six months later, intra-oral PA radiographs and block biopsies from all implants sites were obtained. Marginal bone levels (MBLs) were measured using PA radiographs, CBCT and histology.

Results: Significant correlations of MBL assessments were observed between the three methods. The measurements in PA radiographs consistently resulted in an overestimation of the bone level of about 0.3-0.4 mm. The agreement between the methods was not influenced by the use of bone substitute materials in the management of the osseous defects.

Conclusions: Although MBL assessments obtained from PA radiographs showed an overestimation compared to MBL assessments on corresponding CBCT images and histological sections, PA radiographs can be considered a reliable technique for peri-implant bone-level evaluations following reconstructive surgical therapy of experimental peri-implantitis.