Diagnosis and treatment improvement of peri implantitis using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF): A case report

Ahn, Do-Young; Kim, Woo-Joo; Lee, Dong-Won; Yoon, Hong-Cheol; Kim, Baek-Il; Yun, Jeong-Ho

doi:2025.63.6.181

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 63(6); 2025 > Article

Case Report

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2025;63(6):181-189.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2025.63.6.001 Published online June 30, 2025.

Quantitative light-induced fluorescence(QLF)를 이용한 임플란트 주위염의 진단 및 치료개선: 증례 보고

Diagnosis and treatment improvement of peri implantitis using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF): A case report

Do-Young Ahn^1,2

, Woo-Joo Kim^1,2

, Dong-Won Lee³

, Hong-Cheol Yoon⁴

, Baek-Il Kim⁵

, Jeong-Ho Yun^1,2

¹Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
²Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
³Department of Periodontology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
⁴BESTDEN Dental Clinic, Seoul, Korea
⁵Department of Preventive Dentistry and Public Oral Health, BK21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: Jeong-Ho Yun, Tel: +82-63-250-2289,
Email: grayheron@hanmail.net

Received: 25 March 2025 • Revised: 19 May 2025 • Accepted: 21 May 2025

Abstract

Peri-implantitis is a major threat to implant longevity, requiring timely diagnosis and effective treatment. This case report describes two clinical cases where quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) was used to detect and evaluate peri-implant biofilm. The first involved a medically compromised patient treated non-surgically using ultrasonic scalers, NiTi brushes, and an air-powder abrasive device. The second case required surgical intervention with flap elevation and bone grafting. In both cases, QLF enabled real-time visualization of biofilm accumulation and removal. Fluorescence intensity markedly decreased after treatment, indicating improved implant surface cleanliness. QLF allowed detection of residual biofilm that was not easily identified through traditional visual inspection, supporting more thorough decontamination. These findings suggest that QLF is a useful adjunctive tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of peri-implantitis. By enabling precise visualization of biofilm, QLF enhances conventional assessments and may contribute to better treatment outcomes and long-term implant maintenance.

Key Words: Peri-Implantitis; Biofilms; Dental Implants; Fluorescence; Diagnosis