Is History of Periodontitis a Risk Factor for Peri-implant Disease? A Pilot Study

Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of implant treatment in periodontally compromised patients. Materials and Methods: Partially edentulous patients who were diagnosed and treated for chronic periodontitis and later rehabilitated with implant-supported single crowns or fixed partial dentures were enrolled in this study. At the final follow-up, data on probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing were collected, and changes in peri-implant bone levels were assessed on periapical radiographs. Accordingly, patients were categorized into peri-implant disease-free (PID-free), peri-implant mucositis (PIM), or peri-implantitis (PI) groups. Additionally, information on the history of systemic diseases was obtained and correlated with the findings. Results: Seven females and six males with a mean age of 55.2 (standard deviation [SD] ± 8.38) years were included in this study. Fifty-five implants were placed in 13 partially edentulous patients with a history of chronic periodontitis. The mean follow-up in the study was 35.1 (SD ± 2.40) months. No implants were lost in the 13 patients, for a cumulative survival of 100%. PI was confirmed in 3 patients and PIM in 8 patients, while 2 patients were found to be PID-free. Diabetes and hypertension were found to be the predominant systemic factors among patients affected by peri-implant diseases. Conclusion: Patients with a history of periodontitis are at considerable risk of being affected by peri-implant mucositis, if not by peri-implantitis. Keywords: dental implants, peri-implantitis, peri-implant mucositis, periodontitis