Peri-Implant Disease
Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding dental implants, primarily classified as peri-implant mucositis (inflammation limited to the mucosa, or the soft tissue/ gums) and peri-implantitis (inflammation with progressive loss of supporting bone).[1][2][3][4] These diseases are initiated by bacterial biofilm accumulation, similar to periodontal diseases, but they exhibit distinct pathophysiological features and often more pronounced tissue destruction around implants compared to natural teeth.[5]
The importance of peri-implant diseases lies in their high prevalence and impact on implant longevity and patient quality of life. Nearly half of patients with dental implants develop peri-implant mucositis, and about one in five experience peri-implantitis over 10–20 years, making these conditions a major burden in dental practice.[6][7] If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to significant bone loss and eventual implant failure, necessitating complex and costly interventions.[8][3] When an implant fails, it is not always possible to replace it with another implant.
Early detection and management are critical because timely intervention can prevent progression from reversible mucositis to irreversible peri-implantitis.[4][1] Risk factors such as history of periodontitis, poor oral hygiene, lack of routine dental cleanings, smoking, diabetes, and obesity especially demonstrate the need for regular monitoring and preventative care (professional dental cleanings).[6][8] Understanding peri-implant diseases is essential for optimizing long-term outcomes of implant therapy and maintaining oral health.[8][5]
REFERENCES
1. Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions: Consensus Report of Workgroup 4 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. Berglundh T, Armitage G, Araujo MG, et al. Journal of Periodontology. 2018;89 Suppl 1:S313-S318. doi:10.1002/JPER.17-0739.
2. Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions: Consensus Report of Workgroup 4 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. Berglundh T, Armitage G, Araujo MG, et al. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45 Suppl 20:S286-S291. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12957.
3. Current Concepts for the Treatment of Peri-Implant Disease. Ramanauskaite A, Schwarz F. The International Journal of Prosthodontics. 2024;37(2):124-134. doi:10.11607/ijp.8750.
4. Peri-Implant Mucositis and Peri-Implantitis: Key Features and Differences. Heitz-Mayfield LJA. British Dental Journal. 2024;236(10):791-794. doi:10.1038/s41415-024-7402-z.
5. Physiopathology of Peri-Implant Diseases. Salvi GE, Stähli A, Imber JC, Sculean A, Roccuzzo A. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. 2023;25(4):629-639. doi:10.1111/cid.13167.
6. Prevalence, Incidence, Systemic, Behavioral, and Patient-Related Risk Factors and Indicators for Peri-Implant Diseases: An AO/AAP Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Galarraga-Vinueza ME, Pagni S, Finkelman M, Schoenbaum T, Chambrone L. Journal of Periodontology. 2025;. doi:10.1002/JPER.24-0154.
7. Etiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A European Perspective. Berglundh T, Mombelli A, Schwarz F, Derks J. Periodontology 2000. 2024;. doi:10.1111/prd.12549.
8. AO/AAP Consensus on Prevention and Management of Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions: Summary Report. Wang HL, Avila-Ortiz G, Monje A, et al. Journal of Periodontology. 2025;96(6):519-541. doi:10.1002/JPER.25-0270.