The prosthetic superstructure as a risk factor for peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathological disease occurring in tissues surrounding dental implants. It is characterized by an inflamed peri-implant mucosa and resulting progressive loss of peri-implant supporting bone. Prosthodontic etiologic factors such as hygiene-incompetent prosthetic designs or residual cement seem to favor the development of peri-implantitis. During the course of the article, several characteristics of prosthetic superstructures are presented and their relevance in relation to peri-implant inflammation is discussed. Keywords: implants, peri-implantitis, prosthetic, superstructure