Peri-Implantitis Classification

It is not possible to distinguish healthy from unhealthy peri-implant tissue using probing or pocket-depth measurement alone

Focus – Prevention and Early Detection

Peri-implantitis Classification 2018

With the introduction of a new, global classification system for periodontitis on 21 June 2018, peri-implantitis was also redefined (Berglundh et al. 2018, Schwarz et al. 2018). According to this classification, peri-implantitis is characterized by inflammations in the peri-implant connective tissue, as well as progressive loss of the supporting bone. Peri-implantitis may begin at an early stage of the implant aftercare process.

There are clear differences between peri-implantitis and periodontitis on a histopathological level. Peri-implantitis has greater potential for progression and is a comparatively more local inflammation response than periodontitis. The diseases progresses in a non-linear fashion and at a faster rate than periodontitis (Schwarz et al. 2018).

What’s healthy and what’s not?
Sites of peri-implantitis show clinical signs of inflammation and increased probing depths compared with initial measurements.

However, it is not possible to distinguish healthy from unhealthy peri-implant tissue using probing or pocket-depth measurement alone (Berglundh et al. 2018).

Peri-implant mucositis is the equivalent of the gingivitis that can occur with natural teeth and it is reversible. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. If peri-implant mucositis is left untreated, the inflammation may spread to surrounding bone tissue, leading to irreversible peri-implantitis, which may in turn result in loss of the implant.

If patients at risk can be detected in a reliable way and at an early stage of the disease, this presents us with a huge opportunity to reduce the prevalence of peri-implantitis.

aMMP-8 Biomarker Analysis Detects the Early Stages of Collagen Breakdown

Early Detection is the Best Prevention

Yes for couples planning a pregnancy because …

  • periodontal diseases can hinder conception just as much as being significantly overweight
  • there is a link between periodontitis and male infertility, e.g. sperm mobility
  • poor periodontal health before in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can negatively impact the success rate

And also for your pregnant patients because …

  • moderate periodontitis can increase the risk of pre-term labor by a factor of 7.5 (compared with a tripling of the normal risk due to alcohol consumption)
  • severe periodontal disease increases the risk of having a pre-term infant with a low birth weight by a factor of up to 7

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