Peri-implant Mucositis
A reversible inflammatory lesion of the soft tissues surrounding a dental implant, without loss of supporting bone beyond initial remodelling.
Full Definition
Peri-implant mucositis is defined as inflammation confined to the peri-implant mucosa, characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing, without radiographic evidence of progressive crestal bone loss. It is considered the precursor lesion to peri-implantitis and is analogous to gingivitis around natural teeth. The condition is regarded as reversible with effective plaque removal. Editors must carefully distinguish peri-implant mucositis from peri-implantitis, which involves progressive bone loss and is a more severe and less predictably reversible condition. The hyphen in 'peri-implant' should be retained in all uses.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'peri-implant'. Distinguish carefully from peri-implantitis: mucositis = soft tissue only; peri-implantitis = soft tissue + progressive bone loss.
In Context
- "Peri-implant mucositis was diagnosed at the site of the maxillary right lateral incisor implant; no radiographic bone loss was evident beyond the initial remodelling level." — Implant maintenance recall note
- "The manuscript correctly distinguished peri-implant mucositis from peri-implantitis by specifying the absence of progressive crestal bone loss in the former." — Peer review manuscript assessment