What are the clinical characteristics of peri‐implant mucositis?

The main clinical characteristic of peri‐implant mucositis is bleeding on gentle probing. Erythema, swelling and/or suppuration may also be present.

Does peri‐implant mucositis exist in the absence of clinical signs of inflammation?

Clinical signs of inflammation are necessary for a diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis.

How does probing depth relate to the detection of peri‐implant mucositis?

An increase in probing depth is often observed in the presence of peri‐implant mucositis due to swelling or decrease in probing resistance.

What is the evidence for plaque as the main etiological factor for peri‐implant mucositis?

There is strong evidence from animal and human experimental studies that plaque is the etiological factor for peri‐implant mucositis.

Does non–plaque‐induced peri‐implant mucositis exist?

There is limited evidence for non–plaque‐induced peri‐implant mucositis.

Can peri‐implant mucositis resolve?

There is evidence from experimental human studies that peri‐implant mucositis can resolve. Resolution of the clinical signs of inflammation may take more than 3 weeks following reinstitution of plaque/biofilm control.

What are the environmental and patient‐specific risk indicators for peri‐implant mucositis?

The major etiological factor is plaque accumulation. Host response to the bacterial challenge may vary between patients. Smoking, diabetes mellitus, and radiation therapy may modify the condition.

What are the histological characteristics of peri‐implant mucositis?

Peri‐implant mucositis is characterized by a well‐defined inflammatory lesion lateral to the junctional/pocket epithelium with an infiltrate rich in vascular structures, plasma cells, and lymphocytes. The inflammatory infiltrate does not extend “apical” of the junctional/pocket epithelium into the supracrestal connective tissue zone.