Consensus on peri-implant infections

In 2008, in a workshop of the European Federation on Periodontology, a consensus was reached concerning oral peri-implant infections on the basis of the state of the art in the relevant sciences. Important conclusions were that peri-implant mucositis occurs in 80% of subjects with oral implants, and that peri-implantitis occurs in 28-56% of subjects studied. Important risk factors for developing peri-implant infections seem to be insufficient oral hygiene, a history of periodontitis and cigarette smoking. There are insufficient research findings available to support a definitive conclusion about the role of genetic factors, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption and implant surface properties. Mechanical treatment in combination with antimicrobial oral mouth rinses may be effective in the treatment of mucositis. No evidence has been found that mechanical treatment of peri-implantitis is effective. To control the infection of peri-implantitis, surgical treatment, often in combination with the use of local or systemic antibiotics, is necessary. Validated protocols for the treatment of peri-implant infections are not available due to lack of clinical scientific evidence.