Peri-implantitis
Pronunciation: peh-ree-im-plan-TY-tis
A pathological inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding an osseointegrated implant, resulting in progressive loss of supporting bone.
Full Definition
Peri-implantitis is the implant-specific analogue of periodontitis and is characterised by gingival inflammation, probing depth increases, bleeding or suppuration on probing, and radiographic bone loss beyond normal remodelling thresholds. It is distinguished from peri-implant mucositis, which affects only the soft tissue and is reversible. The condition is always hyphenated and written in lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Editors should note that the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases provides the current consensus definition.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated. Distinguish rigorously from 'peri-implant mucositis,' which is the reversible, soft-tissue-only precursor.
In Context
- "Peri-implantitis was diagnosed after radiographic evidence showed 3 mm of marginal bone loss around the mandibular implant." — Clinical case report
- "Do not use 'peri-implantitis' and 'peri-implant mucositis' interchangeably; bone loss is a defining criterion only for the former." — Editorial style note