GalvoSurge: treatment for peri-implantitis and the preservation of dental implants

GalvoSurge is an innovative technology used in the treatment of peri-implantitis, which cleans the surface of dental implants to remove bacterial biofilm and improve the chances of successful treatment.

“Many patients believe that a diagnosis of peri-implantitis automatically means the loss of the dental implant. In reality, when the condition is detected in time, there are modern solutions that allow us to treat the infection and save the implant. GalvoSurge is one of the most advanced technologies we use for this purpose.”

Dr Alexandru Georgescu 

Medical Director, DENT ESTET
Specialist in Dento-Alveolar Surgery and Periodontology 

What you need to know about GalvoSurge and peri-implantitis

• Peri-implantitis is an infection that affects the gums and bone surrounding a dental implant.
• If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and the loss of the implant.
• Bacterial biofilm is the main cause of peri-implantitis.
• GalvoSurge uses electrolysis to remove the biofilm from the surface of the implant.
• The treatment can help save the implant when the condition is diagnosed in time.
• Early diagnosis and regular check-ups increase the chances of successful treatment. 

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory infection that affects the tissues and bone surrounding a dental implant and can lead to its loss if left untreated.

The condition occurs when bacteria accumulate on the surface of the implant and form a biofilm that is resistant to standard cleaning methods. Over time, the inflammation causes progressive loss of the bone supporting the implant.

Causes of peri-implantitis

Among the most common factors contributing to the development of peri-implantitis are:

• the build-up of bacterial biofilm;
• poor oral hygiene;
• smoking;
• uncontrolled diabetes;
• a history of periodontal disease;
• incorrect positioning of the implant;
• lack of regular check-ups.

Symptoms of peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis can develop slowly, and the early signs are often overlooked.

Signs requiring medical assessment include:

• bleeding around the implant;
• swollen or red gums;
• sensitivity or discomfort;
• gum recession;
• persistent unpleasant taste or odour;
• purulent discharge;
• radiographically visible bone loss;
• implant mobility in advanced stages. 

Why is peri-implantitis difficult to treat?

One of the biggest challenges in treating peri-implantitis is removing the bacterial biofilm from the surface of the implant. This biofilm adheres strongly to the implant and can be difficult to remove using conventional methods. 

In the case of peri-implantitis, time is of the essence. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of controlling the infection and preserving the dental implant in the long term. – Dr Alexandru Georgescu

GalvoSurge is a technology developed for the treatment of peri-implantitis and the decontamination of the surface of dental implants affected by infection.

The system uses a controlled electrolysis process that removes bacterial biofilm from the implant surface without damaging the implant or the surrounding tissues.

GalvoSurge cleans the dental implant using electrolysis. The system generates hydrogen microbubbles which detach the bacterial biofilm from the implant surface, achieving effective decontamination without damaging the implant or the surrounding tissues. 

GalvoSurge is recommended in cases of moderate or severe peri-implantitis, where the implant is still stable and the dentist aims to reduce the infection, decontaminate the implant surface and preserve the implant.

Treatment may be indicated in:

• moderate peri-implantitis;
• severe peri-implantitis;
• cases involving bone loss around the implant;
• situations where the aim is to save the existing implant;
• reducing the bacterial load prior to regenerative procedures.

Situations in which treatment may not be indicated

In certain cases, the extent of bone destruction or the condition of the implant may make it impossible to preserve it.

The decision is made following a clinical and radiological assessment carried out by a specialist. 

Treatment is tailored to the severity of the condition and the specific circumstances of each case.

Generally, the procedure involves:

1. Consultation and diagnosis.
2. Radiological investigations and assessment of bone loss.
3. Access to the surface of the affected implant.
4. Decontamination of the implant using the GalvoSurge system.
5. Bone regeneration, where necessary.
6. Monitoring and regular check-ups.

The aim of the treatment is to eliminate the infection and create the conditions necessary for the long-term retention of the implant. 

The main benefit of GalvoSurge is the thorough cleaning of the implant surface affected by peri-implantitis, in order to reduce bacterial biofilm and improve the chances of implant retention.

Treatment with GalvoSurge offers a number of important advantages in the management of peri-implantitis.

Key benefits

• effectively removes bacterial biofilm;
• helps to save the dental implant;
• does not damage the implant surface;
• is safe for bone and gums;
• can be used in conjunction with regenerative procedures;
• helps to reduce inflammation;
• is supported by clinical studies and used internationally.

For many patients, the main benefit is the ability to avoid implant loss and the need to repeat a complex implant treatment. 

The treatment of peri-implantitis is one of the most difficult challenges in modern implantology.

One of the main problems is the removal of bacterial biofilm from the implant surface.

Current scientific literature shows that the success of peri-implantitis treatment depends largely on the effective decontamination of the implant surface and the control of associated risk factors.

Compared with other treatments

Compared with conventional methods, GalvoSurge offers a decontamination method that acts directly on the bacterial biofilm on the implant surface, one of the main causes of peri-implantitis. 

Through its mechanism of action, GalvoSurge complements traditional approaches and offers an effective method of decontaminating the affected implant. 

The recovery period varies depending on the severity of peri-implantitis and the associated treatments.

Generally, your dentist may recommend:

• anti-inflammatory medication;
• strict oral hygiene;
• avoiding smoking;
• regular check-ups;
• regular preventive treatment sessions.

Adherence to post-operative recommendations is essential for the long-term success of the treatment. 

Prevention remains the most effective way of protecting dental implants.

To reduce the risk of peri-implantitis, the following are recommended:

1. Professional cleaning

Regular check-ups allow bacterial deposits to be removed and the health of the implants to be monitored.

2. Proper brushing

Daily oral hygiene is essential for controlling bacterial biofilm.

3. Regular check-ups

Regular check-ups enable the early identification of signs of inflammation and intervention before complications arise.

4. Giving up smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for the development and progression of peri-implantitis.