Periodontal Management of Peri-Implant Diseases

Peri-implant diseases are the pathological inflammatory changes that occur in tissue surrounding a load bearing implant. It is one of the most common complications in orofacial implantology. The implant design, diameter, location, degree of roughness, excessive mechanical load, tissue status surrounding implant and improper surgical placements are responsible for occurence of perimplant diseases. Also, Gram negative anaerobes play a key role in this disease. Two terms are described in peri-implant diseases: 1) Peri-implant mucositis - a condition in which the inflammatory changes are limited to the mucosa surrounding the implant surface. If treated properly, this condition is reversible. 2) Peri-implantitis - includes bone loss leading to reduced bone support for the implant along with presence of peri-implant mucositis. This condition is irreversible. The management of these conditions is essential for maintenance of oral health in patients with implant-retained prosthesis. Various treatment modalities are available: infection control, implant surface detoxification and alveolar bone regeneration. This book sheds light on different treatment choices for peri-implant deseases.