[The periodontium as peri-implant tissue; a review]

The periodontium around implants shows similarities as well as differences with that of natural periodontal tissues. Periodontal complications around osseointegrated implants vary from gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia to bone resorption which may finally cause the loss of the implant. Those complications are associated with plaque accumulation. Their treatment is similar as for natural teeth affected by periodontal disease. The bacterial flora of peri-implant pockets does not seem to be different from the flora around natural teeth. Many questions concerning the incidence and severity of peri-implant disease remain to be answered.