Peri-implantitis-Is it mainly a clinician-initiated complication of implant therapy?

Abstract

Aim: The high prevalence of peri-implantitis is concerning, with a growing consensus that the majority of cases are complications initiated by clinician-related errors rather than classic pathology. A primary predisposing factor for peri-implantitis is exposure of the micro-rough implant surfaces to the peri-implant sulcus after treatment.

Objectives: To identify surgical/prosthetic factors causing micro-rough surface exposure and advocate for prevention and evidence-based protocols.

Materials and methods: This paper reviews evidence linking surgical and prosthetic errors to micro-rough surface exposure to the sulcus and subsequent peri-implantitis development.

Results: Surgical factors for surface exposure include malposition, avascular necrosis, and incomplete bone regeneration of peri-implant defects. Prosthetic factors include cement remnants and wide prosthetic emergence angles. Clinician-influenceable co-factors-including patient compliance, history of periodontitis, uncontrolled systemic factors/habits, lack of keratinized mucosa, prosthetic misfit, overcontoured/uncleansable prostheses, failure to detect early bone loss or mucosal changes, and inadequate maintenance-contribute to the initiation and progression of peri-implantitis once micro-rough surfaces are exposed.

Conclusions: Most peri-implantitis cases are preventable complications. Professional education and research must prioritize identifying clinician-related errors and adherence to foundational treatment principles. This requires a paradigm shift toward a complication-based model of peri-implantitis.

Clinical relevance: To reduce the risk of peri-implantitis, clinicians should avoid clinical errors that lead to exposure of the micro-rough implant surface. Hybrid surface designs and subcrestal micro-rough surface placement should be considered as safety buffers. Success depends on meticulous diagnostics and planning, proper surgical/prosthetic execution, cleansable prosthesis design, and proactive maintenance to detect early bone loss and soft tissue changes.