Reconstructive surgical therapy of peri-implant defects with ribose cross-linked collagen matrix and crosslinked hyaluronic acid – a prospective case series

Objective To investigate the efficacy of ribose-crosslinked collagen (RCLC) matrices functionalized by crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHya) for reconstructive treatment of class I and III (b-c) peri-implantitis lesions in a transmucosal healing mode. Materials and methods Thirteen patients presenting with 15 implants were included in this prospective case series. Upon flap reflection, the implants were thoroughly decontaminated employing glycine powder air polishing and adjunctive sodium hypochlorite. For defect augmentation, xHyA was administered to the bony defect walls, exposed implant surfaces, and the RCLC matrix before defect grafting. The full-thickness flap was readapted and sutured around the implant neck for transmucosal healing. Baseline and respective values at the 12 months post-op evaluation were recorded for the clinical parameters peri-implant probing depth (PPD), buccal soft tissue dehiscence (BSTD) and bleeding on probing (BoP). Furthermore, two independent investigators analyzed radiographic changes in the defect area. The mean changes for all variables were analyzed with a paired t-test. Results The initial mean PPD was 7.2 ± 1.9 mm, and BoP was present in 63% of sites. After 12 months, PPD at the latest visit was 3.2 ± 0.66 mm, which amounted to a respective 3.9 ± 1.85 mm reduction, while the BoP frequency dropped to 10% at all sites. Radiographic bone fill was accomplished for 62.8% of the former defect area, accompanied by a mean MBL gain of 1.02 mm around the treated implants (all p