Peri-implantitis: Knowledge and attitudes of implantology clinicians regarding the disease management

Abstract

Objectives

Since peri-implantitis is an increasing and prevalent concern in clinical practice and there is no consensus regarding the best therapeutic protocol, this study evaluated the knowledge and behaviours of dentists working in Implantology regarding implant-related infections modulating factors and therapeutic protocols used in the management of peri-implantitis.

Methods

Cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 Brazilian Implantology clinicians. Data were collected using a structured and online questionnaire evaluating socioeconomic characteristics, education, work/clinical practice, knowledge and attitudes regarding the risk factors and management of peri-implantitis. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by test–retest technique. The questionnaire was developed based on the last consensus on peri-implant diseases (2018) and the current evidence related to implant-related infections. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted adopting a significance level of 5%.

Results

In this study, 89.5% of included dentists reported that already treated patients with peri-implantitis. Approximately 80% of dentists use antibiotics and mouth rinses during the treatment, and surgical procedures seem the main choice to treat peri-implantitis (91.8%) by dentists. As a preventive approach, 94.2% of dentists reported that routinely assessed biofilm accumulation in the follow-up visits after implant placement. Logistic regression showed that the self-reported ability to treat peri-implantitis was statistically (p < 0.05) higher among dentists who reported abilities to diagnose the disease and use laser for peri-implantitis treatment.

Conclusion

Dentists working in Implantology have a good level of knowledge and behaviors in the management of peri-implantitis. However, the lack of consensus regarding the best treatment protocols may reflect dentist's behaviours because different treatment protocols have been used by evaluated clinicians.