Evaluation Parameters

Now that we have discussed the criteria, the parameters used for assessing and monitoring the peri-implant conditions need to be understood and applied judiciously.To evaluate the oral hygiene standard Plaque Assessment needs to be done. This is to be followed by Evaluation of the Perimplant Marginal Tissues: This includes the following parameters:

1) Assessing the marginal mucosal condition around Oral Implants.

2) Presence or absence of bleeding on probing.

3) Peri implant probing Depth (PD).

4) Width of the periimplant keratinized mucosa.

5) Perimplant sulcus fluid analysis.

6) Suppuration.

Then the Evaluation of the bone —implant interface needs to be done by the following:

1) Implant mobility and discomfort

2) Resonance Frequency Analysis

3) Radiographic Evaluation.

Now let us discuss each of these parameters in detail.

Plaque Assessment

Microbial films have been known to form on inert biomaterial surfaces in an aqueous environment. Implants placed in the oral cavity are no exception and represent artificial surfaces colonized by bacteria from the saliva and ecologic niches such as periodontal pockets, tonsils and crypts of the tongue. The fact that the development of this film is a causative factor for periimplant disease has been proved by many studies. Furthermore, periodontal pathogens from the residual pockets of the remaining teeth in patients treated for periodontal disease have been known to colonize oral implants.

Biofilm formation around implants can be assessed by the presence of disclosable plaque or accumulation of material alba. Indices modified from the Plaque Index have been introduced in literature to measure and objectively record the status.