Mucositis
Pronunciation: myoo-koh-SY-tis
Reversible inflammatory condition of the soft tissue (mucosa) surrounding a dental implant, analogous to gingivitis around natural teeth, commonly reported as a primary outcome in implant research.
Full Definition
Peri-implant mucositis is defined as inflammation confined to the peri-implant soft tissues without accompanying bone loss, representing an early and potentially reversible stage of peri-implant disease. In dental research literature, 'mucositis' in an implant context is distinct from 'peri-implantitis', which additionally involves bone loss. Editors must be precise about this distinction: 'mucositis' used alone may be confused with oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which is an entirely different condition. The full term 'peri-implant mucositis' should be used at first mention to disambiguate.
Usage
Usage note: Always use the full term 'peri-implant mucositis' at first mention to distinguish from oncology-related oral mucositis. Confirm the manuscript distinguishes this from peri-implantitis.
In Context
- "Peri-implant mucositis was diagnosed in 38% of implants at the 24-month follow-up based on positive BOP without radiographic bone loss." — Results section of a longitudinal implant cohort study
- "Editors should take care not to shorten 'peri-implant mucositis' to 'mucositis' without context, as the term carries a different meaning in oncology literature." — Editorial style guide note for dental journals