Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (Helbo®) as an Adjunctive Approach for the Preservation of Dental Implants Following Early Postoperative Surgical Wound Dehiscence: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Early postoperative surgical wound dehiscence following dental implant placement is an uncommon but clinically significant complication that may result in alveolar bone exposure, bacterial contamination, impaired soft tissue healing, and possible implant failure. Although various treatment strategies have been described, there is currently no standardised management protocol, and clinical evidence regarding the adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in this setting remains limited. This case highlights the potential clinical value of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (HELBO®) as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for preserving newly placed dental implants. This case report aimed to present the successful preservation of newly placed dental implants affected by early postoperative surgical wound dehiscence using adjunctive HELBO® antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
Case Presentation: This case report describes a 74-year-old completely edentulous male patient with severe mandibular alveolar ridge atrophy who underwent placement of two implants in the interforaminal region to improve the retention of a mandibular complete overdenture. Several days after surgery, early postoperative surgical wound dehiscence developed, resulting in loss of primary wound closure and exposure of the alveolar bone. Initial surgical wound revision and atraumatic resuturing failed to achieve stable wound closure. A comprehensive treatment protocol consisting of mechanical debridement, systemic antibiotic therapy, and adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (HELBO®) was subsequently implemented to control bacterial contamination, promote soft tissue healing, and preserve the implants.
Results: The treatment resulted in progressive resolution of inflammation, formation of healthy granulation tissue, complete secondary wound epithelialization, and successful preservation of both implants. Clinical and radiographic follow-up confirmed stable osseointegration, enabling successful completion of the planned implant-retained mandibular overdenture rehabilitation. Adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy combined with meticulous local wound care resulted in complete secondary wound healing without signs of infection or implant failure. The implants remained clinically stable and were successfully preserved throughout follow-up.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates the successful management of early postoperative surgical wound dehiscence with alveolar bone exposure through a comprehensive treatment protocol incorporating adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (HELBO®). The successful preservation of both implants, achievement of complete secondary wound healing, and uneventful osseointegration highlight the potential clinical value of this minimally invasive adjunctive therapy in managing biologic complications following implant surgery. Further prospective clinical studies are warranted to establish its effectiveness and define its role in evidence-based treatment protocols.