Prevalence

According to a meta-analysis, the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis is approximately 43% while that of peri-implantitis is 22%.^2,3 Dental plaque (dysbiotic biofilm) is the most important etiologic factor for peri-implant diseases. Dental plaque accumulation at dental implants triggers the inflammatory response leading to peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Patients with poor oral hygiene were found to exhibit approximately 15 times higher chance of developing peri-implantitis. Considering that initiation of peri-implant diseases may be triggered by the presence of dental plaque similar to that of periodontal diseases, achieving and maintaining excellent plaque control is an important factor in prevention as well as treatment of peri-implant diseases. Based on the principles of cause related therapy, clinicians should educate their patients on how to effectively remove the potentially main etiologic factor, dental plaque around teeth and implants.

According to the 2018 classification and consensus, the conversion from mucositis to peri-implantitis was evaluated in a retrospective observational study including 80 patients initially suffering from peri-implant mucositis.^2,3 Over 5 years, the incidence of peri-implantitis was lower in subjects enrolled in a regular maintenance program (18%) than among patients without regular maintenance care (43%). The conversion to peri-implantitis was correlated with bleeding, deep pockets, lack of regular maintenance therapy and the presence of periodontitis.

Figure 3. Peri-implantitis lesion - probing.

Figure 3. Peri-implantitis lesion - probing.