Microbiological profile associated with peri-implant diseases in individuals with and without preventive maintenance therapy: a 5-year follow-up

ObjectivesClinical and microbiological longitudinal changes in individuals with peri-implant mucositis (PM) with or without preventive maintenance therapy (PMT) have not been reported, especially in long periods of monitoring. This 5-year follow-up study aimed to assess the clinical and microbiological changes along time in individuals initially diagnosed with PM.Materials and methodsEighty individuals diagnosed with PM (T1) and followed during 5years (T2) were divided into one group with PMT during the study period (GTP; n=39) and another group without PMT (GNTP; n=41). Full-mouth periodontal/peri-implant examinations were performed. Peri-implant microbiological samples were collected and analyzed through qPCR for Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Actinomyces naeslundii at T1 and T2.ResultsGNTP presented higher incidence of peri-implantitis than GTP. Moreover, GNTP showed significantly higher total bacterial load and higher frequency of the evaluated orange complex bacteria than GTP. Individuals who progressed to peri-implantitis presented significantly higher total bacterial load and higher frequencies of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum.ConclusionsThe absence of regular appointments for PMT was associated with a higher incidence of peri-implantitis and a significant increase in total bacterial load.Clinical relevanceRegular visits during PMT positively influenced subgingival microbiota and contributed to peri-implant homeostasis and clinical status stability during a 5-year monitoring period. Compliance with PMT programs should be reinforced among individuals rehabilitated with dental implants.