What is it?

Peri-implant disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue around dental implants. Bacteria can build up and over time irritates the gum tissue, leading to irritation and damage. Without intervention, it will cause the bone structure below the implant to deteriorate.

What problem does it aim to solve?

Peri-implantitis (PI) remains a common problem for patients and is difficult to treat with current methods. “The anatomic difference between implants and teeth is the crux of why PI is more resistant to treatment than periodontitis.” There is not enough analysis of the existing research on the topic. This review aims to bring together studies on preventing PI, the disease's tissue changes, current treatments, and any new approaches that may be emerging.

How does it work?

Researchers conducted an extensive literature search for studies conducted between 2000 and 2022 in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases and analyzed them. Areas of focus included causes, risk factors and treatments.

What are the real-world implications?

There is currently no one treatment that yields consistently successful results, but stem-cell and other regenerative techniques look promising. There is a consistent emphasis on the importance of preventing the condition in the first place and/or keeping it from getting worse. Medication changes and regular dental appointments are crucial.

What are the next steps?

More research is clearly needed on more patients and with increased follow-up time.

Source

“Peri-implantitis after 40 years: Evidence, mechanisms, and implications: A mapping review”, Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Volume 132, Issue 6, December 2024, Pages 1215-1225

Authors

Steven J. Sadowsky DDS
Professor, Preventive and Restorative Department, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco