Peri-Implant Tissue Health and Disease in the Pre- and Post-Loading Phases

Considering the widespread use of dental implants, a precise definition for peri-implant tissue health and an appropriate classification for peri-implant diseases are imperative for researchers and dental clinicians. However, absence of a unanimous definition and an efficient classification system has created controversies in the published reports regarding the epidemiology and prevalence of peri-implant diseases. Moreover, lack of a standard system for differentiation of different grades of peri-implantitis further complicates the interpretation of reports regarding the diagnosis prevalence, treatment, and outcome of such conditions, and highlights the need for a classification system based on the severity of disease. Almost all of the currently available classification systems focus on the assessment of health or disease status of the tissues around loaded implants. The purpose of the present study is to propose a classification/scoring system for peri-implant tissue health before and after prosthetic loading. This grading system can aid the researchers and dental clinicians in assessment of peri-implant tissue condition both before and after prosthetic loading of dental implants.