management of peri-implantitis

peri-implantitis is a site-specifi c infectious disease that causes an infl ammatory process in soft tissues, and bone loss around an osseointegrated implant in function. the etiology of the implant infection is conditioned by the status of the tissue surrounding the implant, implant design, degree of roughness, external morphology, and excessive mechanical load. the microorganisms most commonly associated with implant failure are spirochetes and mobile forms of gram-negative anaerobes, unless the origin is the result of simple mechanical overload. diagnosis is based on changes of color in the gingiva, bleeding and probing depth of peri-implant pockets, suppuration, x-ray, and gradual loss of bone height around the tooth. treatment will differ depending upon whether it is a case of peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis. the management of implant infection should be focused on the control of infection, the detoxifi cation of the implant surface, and regeneration of the alveolar bone. this review article deals with the various treatment options in the management of peri-implantitis. the article also gives a brief description of the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of peri-implantitis. key words: dental implant, peri-implantitis, peri-implant mucositis