Understanding, identifying and treating peri-implantitis

Identifying and managing peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis, is a destructive inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. This is a growing concern in implant dentistry with increasing reported incidences related to better understanding of the inflammatory process and identification clinically.  Incidence is influenced by factors such as the patient’s systemic health, oral hygiene practices, and implant surface characteristics. Early identification of peri-implantitis, through regular clinical and radiographic monitoring correlates with improved treatment outcomes, including stabilization of peri-implant bone levels and reduction in inflammation. Delayed detection often leads to significant bone loss, compromised implant stability, and more complex, less predictable therapeutic interventions and potential for loss of the implant. This article will review the causes of peri-implantitis, how to identify it clinically and how to treat it when identified to improve the long-term prognosis of dental implants.