Implants · single question
A patient with an implant-supported overdenture on 4 maxillary implants presents with implants showing NO bone loss. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Peri-implant mucositis
Peri-implant mucositis is the reversible inflammatory condition of the soft tissues surrounding an implant without bone loss. It is analogous to gingivitis around natural teeth. Peri-implantitis involves bone loss around the implant. If the patient has inflammation/symptoms but NO radiographic bone loss, the diagnosis is peri-implant mucositis. Treatment: improved oral hygiene, professional debridement — it is reversible.
- A. ❌ If there are symptoms or inflammation being described, 'normal healthy' is not the answer.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – Peri-implant mucositis = inflammation of peri-implant tissues WITHOUT bone loss (reversible, analogous to gingivitis).
- C. ❌ Peri-implantitis involves bone loss around the implant — the question states NO bone loss.
- D. ❌ Implant failure implies loss of osseointegration — more severe and not described here.