A 70 y.o.a. patient presented for an emergency exam with a chief complaint of pain around the peri-implant tissues of implant #5. On exam, sulcular pus and buccal edematous tissue were associated with implant #5. Radiographically, #5 implant exhibited coronal bone loss and classic “cupping” associated with occlusal overload. The diagnosis was peri-implant disease secondary to occlusal overload. The treatment consisted of debridement, disinfection, and g.b.r in and around the peri-implant tissues of implant #5. The clinical objectives in treating peri-implant disease consist of 1. removing the cause of the disease; 2.management of osseous and soft tissue defects.
Solea was used with the .75 mm spot size, 40% cutting speed and 100% mist for several minutes, non-continuously. The implant surface was lightly “brush-stroked” with the laser beam. The bony crypt was aggressively ablated. Laser application continued until both fields were visually free of granulation tissue. Solea allowed the practitioner to choose a power level that removed diseased, edematous tissues (water content) while not removing healthy bone or significantly altering the surface of the implant (both with less water content). In addition, Solea’s ability to vary water mist during the procedure (or just simply have water mist during the procedure) allowed for the clearing of the area visually, which is important.
These cases can be challenging at best. Solea offers several clinical advantages. It is ideal for rapid and thorough tissue removal especially in hard to reach areas. Solea also provides an excellent way to preliminarily disinfect the implant surface. Used with 100% mist, it will keep the implant surface cool. This setting also promotes excellent perfusion from the bony crypt of the defect and bone bed of the g.b.r site.