Periimplantitis is the topic of this lecture series of Professor Stefan Renvert, University Kristianstad/Sweden, held on the EDA Early Dental Workshop. In this first part Prof. Renvert focuses on the pathogenesis of this disease. Like a chronic periodontitis perimplantitis develops because of the persistence of bacterial biofilm in the periimplant tissue. On the implant surface the development of bacterial colonisation happens as rapidly as on the root surface of natural teeth.

Clinically such a biofilm is observed by a increased probing depth, by a increased bleeding tendency and under certain circumstances by the discharge of pus. The reason for this is a proinflammatory effect of toxins secreted by these bacteria. An excessive immune response of the human organism leads to inflammation of the periimplant mucosa (periimplant mucositis) and at last to loss of the marginal bone around the implants (periimplantitis).