Patient-Centered Perspectives and Understanding of Peri-Implantitis

Patients undergoing dental treatment have an uncertain understanding about dental implant therapy and its complications. Therefore, the aims of this study assess the following: 1) level of knowledge, awareness, and attitudes about peri-implantitis; 2) information provided by dentists/specialists who perform the treatment; and 3) perceptions, level of satisfaction, and impact on patient quality of life (QoL).

Patients with implant restorative therapy currently undergoing peri-implant maintenance therapy were recruited. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire that included general aspects of prognosis, including the following: 1) peri-implantitis; 2) etiology; 3) awareness; 4) attitudes; 5) treatment; 6) prevention; 7) risk factors; 8) quality of information; 9) level of patient satisfaction; and 10) QoL. Associations among questionnaire data were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Overall, 411 implants were included from 135 patients with implants. Frequency of peri-implantitis in the survey was 17.8% at the participant level, with 70% of them reporting high level of post-surgical satisfaction. Worry and concern were frequent findings among patients with peri-implantitis (64%), and 32% reported that living with the disease was terrible. The vast majority of patients (74.1%) did not have knowledge about peri-implant pathology. Patients with peri-implantitis showed statistically significantly better understanding of implant therapy (P <0.001) and also higher average concern (P = 0.004).

Patients generally have a poor understanding and perception of peri-implantitis and its impact. QoL was impaired by the presence of peri-implantitis with high level of concern and low level of therapeutic satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to develop standardized information brochures to educate patients on risk factors and indicators of the disease to assist in the prevention of peri-implantitis.