More than 25% of dental implant patients suffer from peri-implant mucositis, an inflammatory process that affects the soft tissues around dental implants. With the aim of finding a solution to minimise this inflammatory process, the Faculty of Dentistry of UIC Barcelona and the Dentaid Research Center have promoted a study published in the journal Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. The object of this study was keratinised mucosa (KM) and, as the researchers explain, the study has shown that a width greater than (≥2 mm) KM is significantly associated with a better clinical resolution of peri-implant mucositis after mechanical therapy.
The study evaluated 38 implants in patients with this disease, dividing them into two groups: one with a keratinised mucosa band greater or equal to 2 mm and the other with a band that was less than 2 mm or without mucosa (<2 mm). As highlighted by Dr José Nart and Dr Gonzalo Blasi, researchers from the University’s Periodontics area who participated in the study, “The research reveals that a band of keratinised mucosa of at least 2 mm significantly improves the clinical resolution of this condition, creating a foundation for more effective treatment practices. These advances reinforce the prevention of complications and improve the management of patients with dental implants, representing a significant advance in implant dentistry”.
In addition, “it was observed that certain bacterial germs were more abundant in the peri-implant pockets of individuals with different levels of keratinised mucosa and other variables of clinical interest” adds Dr Álex Arredondo, microbiologist at the Dentaid Research Center.
This study offers new perspectives for managing peri-implant mucositis and highlights the importance of a preventive approach to oral health. Controlling oral biofilm remains critical to preventing peri-implant diseases such as mucositis, providing dentists and periodontists with improved strategies for treating patients with dental implants.
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