Objectives: Clinical and microbiological longitudinal changes in individuals with peri-implant mucositis (PM) with or without preventive maintenance therapy (PMT) have not been reported, especially in long periods of monitoring. This 5-year follow-up study aimed to assess the clinical and microbiological changes along time in individuals initially diagnosed with PM.
Materials and methods: Eighty individuals diagnosed with PM (T1) and followed during 5 years (T2) were divided into one group with PMT during the study period (GTP; n = 39) and another group without PMT (GNTP; n = 41). Full-mouth periodontal/peri-implant examinations were performed. Peri-implant microbiological samples were collected and analyzed through qPCR for Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Actinomyces naeslundii at T1 and T2.
Results: GNTP presented higher incidence of peri-implantitis than GTP. Moreover, GNTP showed significantly higher total bacterial load and higher frequency of the evaluated orange complex bacteria than GTP. Individuals who progressed to peri-implantitis presented significantly higher total bacterial load and higher frequencies of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum.
Conclusions: The absence of regular appointments for PMT was associated with a higher incidence of peri-implantitis and a significant increase in total bacterial load.
Clinical relevance: Regular visits during PMT positively influenced subgingival microbiota and contributed to peri-implant homeostasis and clinical status stability during a 5-year monitoring period. Compliance with PMT programs should be reinforced among individuals rehabilitated with dental implants.
Keywords: Maintenance; Microbiological; Peri-implant mucositis; Peri-implantitis; Periodontitis.