title: Repair of peri-implant bone loss after occlusal adjustment: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peri-implantitis generally is attributed to a bacterial challenge, with occlusion being a modifying factor. The author presents a case of peri-implant marginal bone loss that was treated successfully with only occlusal adjustment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 63-year-old female patient with a history of bruxism reported for a yearly periodontal examination 38 months after restoration of an implant in the tooth no. 30 position. A radiograph indicated that this implant had significant peri-implant bone loss. The evaluation showed very heavy occlusion on the implant restoration, and the author performed an occlusal adjustment. A radiograph obtained five months later showed significant repair of the lost alveolar bone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with dental implants require periodic examination and maintenance therapy to prevent peri-implantitis. The examination should include a periodontal, prosthetic, radiographic and occlusal evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Merin maintains a private practice in periodontics at 6342 Fallbrook Ave., #101, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367, e-mail rlmdds@aol.com. Address correspondence to Dr. Merin.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Merin
mesh_terms: D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001732:Bite Force; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D002012:Bruxism / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment; D057873:Peri-Implantitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography
keywords: Peri-implantitis; bruxism and dental implants; occlusal adjustment and dental implants; occlusal overload and dental implants; occlusion and dental implants; peri-implant bone loss