Dental implants have a very high survival rate.1 However, the use of survival rate as a metric for success does not address infection-induced inflammation and its consequences in surviving implants. As the link between oral health and systemic health is elucidated, and infection and inflammation are emerging as primary links, the issue is paramount.2 This is especially poignant in light of reports that up to 48% of dental implants show soft tissue inflammation.3-5
Peri-implant disease is an infection-induced inflammatory process associated with dental implants. Since the condition can affect both soft and hard tissues, it can be classified into two categories: peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Peri-implant mucositis is soft tissue inflammation surrounding dental implants without evidence of bone loss. Peri-implantitis reflects progression of peri-implant mucositis and has both soft- and hard-tissue components.6-8
