Specialists' management decisions and attitudes towards mucositis and peri-implantitis

Pathology of the peri-implant tissues, namely peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are conditions that are often encountered and can threaten the long term survival of the implants.

This study aimed to compare the attitudes of registered specialists in periodontology in Australia and the UK towards aetiology, prevalence, diagnosis and management of mucositis and peri-implantitis.

A validated questionnaire was used and the sample consisted of UK and Australian specialists.

There were differences in the demographics of specialists in the two countries, with the Australian specialists being significantly younger. Most specialists in both countries identified the prevalence of peri-implant pathology between 0-25%. Although there was agreement as to the role of plaque in the aetiopathogenesis of the diseases, UK specialists were more likely to include adverse loading and smoking as etiological factors. There were significant differences in the management of the disease between the groups, including the use of mouth rinses, local and systemic antibiotics. Australians were more likely to use systemic antibiotics than in the UK.

The results suggested that differences in professional demographics, educational resources and market factors, and the absence of consensus treatment standards can significantly affect the treatment modalities patients finally receive.