Correlations of Peri-Implant Parameters with Plaque and Inflammation Indices in Posterior Fixed Implant-Prosthetic Rehabilitation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the peri-implant clinical and radiological parameters and their correlations with the plaque index (mPI) and the inflammation index (GI) in fixed implant-prosthetic therapy.

Materials and method: This research was a retrospective study including 48 patients with posterior partial edentulism (age: mean 63.04±10.723 years) treated by implant-supported metal-ceramic bridges, with a mean 6.19 years follow-up. A total of 166 implants were evaluated by clinical (peri-implant pocket depth-PPD) and radiological (peri-implant marginal bone loss-MBL) examen. Plaque index (mPI) and inflammation index (GI) were recorded for each implant site. Mean values of PPD, MBL (mesial), MBL (distal) were assessed. A comparative analysis was conducted regarding relation between PPD and MBL values (distal and mesial) in relation to the mPI and GI indices using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Correlations between the variables PPD, MBL (mesial), and MBL (distal) for the entire study group were calculated by Pearson linear correlation coefficient.

Results: There were very high positive correlations between pocket depth and mesial marginal bone loss (r=0.951, p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.934-0.964); pocket depth and distal marginal bone loss (r=0.961, p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.947-0.971), and mesial and distal bone loss values (r=0.935, p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.913-0.952).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that peri-implant bone loss and pocket depth are strongly correlated and significantly influenced by plaque accumulation and inflammation, highlighting the critical role of the patients' oral hygiene in maintaining peri-implant tissue health.