A prospective study of the clinical outcomes of peri-implant tissues in patients treated for peri-implant mucositis and followed up for 54 months

Background Peri-implant mucositis is very common and, when left untreated, can progress to the more serious condition of peri-implantitis. Therefore, early diagnosis, adequate treatment and, in particular, adherence to a peri-implant supportive therapy are extremely important for the management of peri-implant mucositis. Purpose Characterize the clinical conditions of peri-implant tissues in patients diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis after undergoing peri-implant supportive therapy for 54 months. Materials and Methods Thirty-eight patients (131 dental implants) who received peri-implant supportive therapy, associated with oral hygiene instructions, were assessed at baseline and at 54 months for visible plaque and gingival bleeding indexes, probing depth and bleeding on probing. Data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test and relative risk assessment using a significance level set at 5%. Results None of the independent variables evaluated (age, gender, smoking, type of prosthesis, time using the prosthesis, keratinized mucosa, phenotype peri-implant, classification of visible plaque index and classification of gingival bleeding index) presented significant associations with "worsening" or "improvement" of clinical parameters. Conclusion The implementation of peri-implant support therapy was not sufficient for the resolution of peri-implant mucositis, although reductions in clinical parameters with respect to baseline were observed and maintained during follow-up.