Peri-implant tissue score (PITS) as a measure of success, applied to 869 dental implants from a retrospective clinical study

Objective: This article presents a methodology of a comprehensive score for assessment and monitoring of dental implant success from the peri-implant tissue perspective. It involves only standard and minimally invasive techniques accessible to general dental practices, without the need for special equipment. Methods and Materials: The proposed score methodology combines existing consensual global knowledge regarding aspects of dental implant success with the standard examination tools accepted for regular recall assessment. The score is a sum of five three-grade parameters: bone level, peri-implant inflammation, amount of attached mucosa, tissues recession (ie, exposure of implant components to intraoral environment), and the horizontal buccal profile of the alveolar process. The name peri-implant tissue score (PITS) is derived from the intended primary use of monitoring the state of implants and the surrounding hard and soft tissues. With its emphasis on buccal-aspect tissues, the score is designed to aid the detection of early signs of tissues deterioration. Results: The use of the score is demonstrated on a sample pool of 869 retrospectively evaluated implants with airborne-particle-abraded, acid-etched surfaces with time in service from 0 to 12 years. The parameters constituting the score were statistically tested on correlation with a reference set of success criteria, on mutual cross-correlations, and on the invariance to the implants' time-in-service. The PITS demonstrated to be highly representative of the success criteria, offering a fine scale from 0 to 10, and reversibility. Conclusion: The PITS withstood the tests. It responds to an existing need in the field, is widely accessible and inexpensive, and, thus, shows promise for use in general dental practice. Palabras clave: dental implants, implant stability, implant status monitoring, peri-implant tissue, success score