Pyogenic granuloma in relation to dental implants: Clinical and histopathological findings

BACKGROUND The occurrence of pyogenic granuloma in association to dental implants is rare and only five cases have been reported in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients charts were analyzed to select patients who had been diagnosed for pyogenic granuloma and its association with dental implants had been evaluated. The clinical status of the dental implants and the prosthesis had also been assessed. RESULTS Clinical and histopathological diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma had been reached for soft mass growth in association with dental implants in 10 patients. Histological analysis of all samples was performed to obtain a firm diagnosis of finding against pyogenic granuloma lesions. Accumulation of dental plaque due to poor oral hygiene and improper design of the prosthesis had been related to the occurrence of pyogenic granuoloma. This lesion showed no predilection to specific surface type and had no significant association with marginal bone loss. CONCLUSIONS Pyogenic granuloma should be included in the differential diagnosis of soft mass growth around dental implants. KEY WORDS Reactive lesion, soft mass, pyogenic granuloma, dental implant, titanium.