A recent retrospective study aimed at evaluating the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the prevalence of peri-implant diseases has provided new insights into dental implant outcomes for patients with this chronic condition. The study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, explored the link between RA and complications such as peri-implantitis (PI) and peri-implant mucositis (PIM), which are known to affect dental implant success.
The findings revealed that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to develop peri-implantitis compared to their healthy counterparts. Despite this, both groups—those with RA and those without—showed a 96% survival rate for implants, with similar levels of marginal bone loss. Over the course of five years, clinical and radiographic data were collected, highlighting that patients with RA had significantly higher rates of peri-implantitis. In contrast, the non-RA group exhibited a higher incidence of peri-implant mucositis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by systemic inflammation, can have broader implications for oral health, potentially affecting the long-term success of dental implants. As dental implants become an increasingly popular solution for tooth loss, understanding the role of RA in implant outcomes is vital for improving patient care.
The study was led by Muhammad H. A. Saleh and his colleagues from the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The researchers analyzed clinical and radiographic data to assess probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and marginal bone loss (MBL) around implants. Peri-implant diseases were classified using the 2017 workshop classification, and measurements were taken at baseline and at the latest follow-up. The study also examined factors such as maintenance visits, implant dimensions, history of periodontitis, bone grafts, restoration angles, smoking, and diabetes to control for potential confounders.
A total of 101 patients were included in the study, with 50 having rheumatoid arthritis and 51 being healthy. These participants had 124 implants, with an average follow-up of 5.4 years. The key findings are as follows:
- The overall implant survival rate was 96% for both groups.
- Patients with RA had a significantly higher incidence of peri-implantitis.
- Patients without RA had a notably higher prevalence of peri-implant mucositis.
- There were no significant differences in implant survival or marginal bone loss between the two groups.
In conclusion, while patients with rheumatoid arthritis experienced similar implant survival rates and marginal bone loss compared to non-RA patients, they were more prone to peri-implantitis. However, they had a lower incidence of peri-implant mucositis. These findings suggest that while RA does not significantly affect implant survival, it may influence the type of peri-implant disease that develops, underscoring the need for tailored care for RA patients undergoing implant procedures.
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