Peri-implantitis in patients without regular supportive therapy: Prevalence and risk indicators

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of peri-implant diseases in patients treated in a university setting without a regular peri-implant supportive therapy schedule, and to identify the risk indicators associated with peri-implantitis. Material and methods A retrospective cohort study was made of patients with dental implants with at least 12 months of functional loading who did not receive regular peri-implant supportive therapy. Patient- and implant-related variables were retrieved, and clinical and radiological examinations were performed. Descriptive and bivariate analyses and multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with peri-implantitis. Results A total of 213 implants in 88 patients were analyzed. The patient-level prevalence of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis was 26.1% (95%CI: 16.7%—35.5%) and 44.3% (95%CI: 34.0%—54.6%), respectively. Peri-implant diseases were significantly more frequent when the width of the keratinized mucosa was < 2 mm (OR = 5.26; 95%CI: 1.24—22.26; p = 0.024), and when there was 12 month post-loading bone loss (OR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.35—6.52; p = 0.007). Conclusions Peri-implantitis is a common finding in patients without regular peri-implant supportive therapy (prevalence 16.7–35.5%). A thin peri-implant keratinized mucosa (< 2 mm) and a higher degree of bone remodeling after loading seem to be the main risk factors for peri-implantitis in this patient profile. Clinical relevance Patients who do not engage in supportive peri-implant maintenance have a higher risk of peri-implantitis. A thin keratinized mucosa and bone loss during the first year of loading are predisposing factors for peri-implantitis.