Hard tissue dimensional changes following implant removal due to peri‐implantitis: A retrospective study

Background The current evidence regarding the alterations experienced by the alveolar ridge (hard tissue changes) after implant removal due to peri‐implantitis is limited. Purpose To assess the hard tissue dimensional changes following implant removal due to peri‐implantitis. Material and methods Clinical records were examined to identify patients with implants that had to be removed due to a hopeless prognosis secondary to peri‐implantitis due to expendability of peri‐implantitis implants for functional reasons. Patients with preoperative and postoperative cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were included. Patient‐related, implant‐related, and surgery‐related factors were assessed based on the clinical records. Linear measurements were made to evaluate the influence of bone plate thickness (BPT), ridge width (RW), and ridge height (RH) at various levels upon the outcome of implant removal. A descriptive statistical analysis of the quantitative and qualitative variables was performed. Correlations of the variables with the primary outcome (dimensional changes) were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses (multinomial random intercept mixed model linear regressions). Results A total of 26 patients (nimplants = 79) met the eligibility criteria. The mean decrease in RW at 1 and 3 mm below the crest was 11.3% and 4.4%, respectively (P