Rid Crowns of Excess Cement for Less Infection

Objective: To more closely manage infection around implants in much the same way one would manage inflammation/infection around teeth, understanding that peri-implant tissues have more limited resistance to the effects of inflammation than does native tissue. Review: Bleeding on probing is generally found when implants have peri-implantitis versus peri-implant mucositis. The prevalence of mucositis with no bleeding on probing is found in 79% to 90% of patients and in 50% of implants, whereas periodontitis is found in 28% to 56% of patients and in 12% to 43% of implants. Measuring the position of the gingival margin around the prosthetic as a baseline is recommended. Intraoral radiographs (vs panoramic radiographs) are recommended. No mention is made of cone-beam CT scans in this regard. Risk factors for inflammation include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and expression of dental cement past the crown margin. Patients with a history of periodontal disease are at increased risk for peri-i more...