Peri-implant Tissue
Pronunciation: PEH-ree im-PLANT
The hard and soft tissues immediately surrounding an osseointegrated dental implant, analogous to the periodontium surrounding a natural tooth.
Full Definition
Peri-implant tissue encompasses both the peri-implant mucosa (the soft-tissue cuff surrounding the transmucosal portion of the implant or abutment) and the supporting alveolar bone. Unlike the periodontium of natural teeth, peri-implant tissue lacks a true periodontal ligament; instead, collagen fibres run parallel rather than perpendicular to the implant surface, and Sharpey's fibres are absent. This structural difference affects the tissue's barrier function and susceptibility to inflammation. Editors must distinguish the broader term 'peri-implant tissue' from the pathological terms 'peri-implant mucositis' (soft-tissue inflammation only) and 'peri-implantitis' (inflammation with supporting bone loss).
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'peri-implant' as a compound modifier. Do not use 'peri-implant tissue' as a synonym for 'periodontium'; the two are structurally and clinically distinct.
In Context
- "Healthy peri-implant tissue is characterised by a pink, non-bleeding sulcus of 1–3 mm depth." — Patient examination record
- "The review analysed histological differences between peri-implant tissue and natural periodontium." — Systematic review abstract