A team of researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor have created an algorithm to predict treatment outcomes for patients with peri-implantitis, according to an Oct. 22 university blog post.
The algorithm is meant to identify dental implant patients who may better respond to regenerative therapies to treat peri-implantitis.
Researchers used the algorithm to quantify harmful bacteria and infection-fighting immune cells in samples from patients with peri-implantitis.
Patients with low risk for periodontal disease had more immune cells capable of controlling bacterial infections.
"Regenerative therapy for peri-implantitis is expensive, and treatment outcomes are unpredictable,” said Jeff Wang, DDS, a clinical assistant professor and principal investigator for the clinical trial. “It would be very helpful if we could use the information to determine the best course of treatment, or maybe we’d decide that the more sensible option would be to replace an old implant with a new one, despite the challenge to rebuild the bone."