Peri-implantitis and the prosthodontist

Peri-implantitis has been described as progressive crestal bone loss around a dental implant. The condition is poorly understood, and is challenging to manage; it is commonly and widely attributed to issues with the implant, the implant surface, surgical technique and oral hygiene. The effect of prosthodontic stages of treatment on the postoperatively established state has not been adequately investigated. It is the authors' contention that the manner in which the implant is restored contributes significantly to prognosis and peri-implant disease experience, and that the role of prosthodontic aspects of treatment in the causation of peri-implantitis may be seriously underestimated. The prosthodontist has a clear role and responsibility in the avoidance of future peri-implant problems by ensuring that implants are restored in an entirely biologically and biomechanically sound manner. The number of implant treatments carried out year-on-year is rising apace, with more and more implants being restored in general dental practice. With the rapid emergence of lower cost dental implant systems and a broadening range of generic restorative options and components for well-established systems, there is an increasing need to consider and understand how the implant restorative process may have a negative impact upon the peri-implant tissues, and how this effect may be minimised and peri-implant health promoted and maintained by paying attention to detail throughout the entire process.