Diagnosis and Treatment of Peri-implantitis among Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the knowledge and awareness of dentists practicing dentalimplantology in Saudi Arabia regarding the diagnosis and treatment of peri-implantitis.Materials and Methods: 100 dentists practicing dental implantology in Saudi Arabia were randomlyselected and asked to answer a systematized questionnaire about the diagnosis and treatment of periimplantitis that comprised of six parts as the following: The dentist’s demographic data, bacteria, implantsurface, antimicrobials and antibiotics, diagnosis, management and treatment modalities of peri-implantitis.The sample of the study consisted of dentists who hadn’t received any specialty or training degree other thanimplantology and dentists who had received other specialty degree in addition to implantology. The validityand the reliability of the questionnaire were tested. The data obtained were tabulated, and the statisticalparameter was estimated.Results: The majority of the dentists agreed that treated-surface implants have better osseointegration andhigher long-term success rate in comparison to smooth-surface implants. Also, roughly half or more thanhalf the dentists used the diagnostic parameters bleeding on probing, probing depth, suppuration, and boneloss ≥2 mm for the detection of peri-implantitis. In addition, the most preferable surgical treatment modalityemployed by the dentists for implants with peri-implantitis was bone grafting combined with a membrane.Furthermore, the most preferable delayed loading protocol chosen by the dentists for definitive prosthesisinstallation after implant placement was 3-6 months.Conclusion: There is need for randomized clinical trials on the pathogenesis, etiology, diagnosticparameters, and treatment modalities of peri-implantitis with large sample sizes. Workshops and symposiaare recommended.