Peri-Implant Mucositis vs Peri-Implantitis — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPeriodontologyPeri-Implant Mucositis vs Peri-ImplantitisORE Part 1

At review of a dental implant, probing depth has increased from a recorded baseline of 3 mm to 5 mm and bleeding occurs on gentle probing. Radiographs show no marginal bone loss beyond that expected from initial remodelling. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Peri-implant mucositis

The diagnosis is peri-implant mucositis. The implant has inflammatory clinical signs—bleeding on gentle probing and an increased probing depth compared with baseline—but there is no marginal bone loss beyond initial remodelling. SDCEP defines this combination as peri-implant mucositis. Peri-implantitis is the main differential, but it requires inflammation together with radiographic bone loss beyond initial remodelling/progressive loss of supporting bone. Peri-implant health is excluded by bleeding on probing and the increased probing depth. Implant fracture or failure would not be diagnosed from these soft-tissue inflammatory findings and would require evidence of mechanical damage, loss of integration, or loss of function.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care, “Treatment of peri-implant mucositis”, current online guidance. https://www.periodontalcare.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/dental-implants/treatment-of-peri-implant-mucositis/