Understanding the Risk of Peri-Implantitis

Abstract Although implant therapy has been identified as a successful and predictable treatment for partially and completely edentulous patients, complications and failures can occur. There are two main categories of complications that occur in implant therapy: biological and technical (mechanical). Peri-implantitis is considered as a biological complication that results in bone loss around implants and may lead to implant treatment failure. Peri-implantitis has become a topic of major interest in contemporary dentistry due to its higher prevalence. Even though the main etiologic agent is bacterial biofilm, a myriad of factors influences the initiation and progression of peri-implant disease. The knowledge of the impact of peri-implantitis on the outcome of treatment with oral implants as well as the identification of risk factors associated with this inflammatory condition is essential for the development of supportive maintenance programs and the establishment of prevention protocols. Thus, this article reviews the recent evidence on the factors that may predispose implants to peri-implantitis.