Complications & Maintenance Flashcards

Peri-implant mucositis is best described as:

Answer: Reversible inflammation limited to the soft tissue around an implant without bone loss

Peri-implant mucositis is the implant equivalent of gingivitis — reversible soft tissue inflammation without bone loss that responds to improved oral hygiene.

Peri-implantitis is distinguished from peri-implant mucositis by the presence of:

Answer: Progressive marginal bone loss with inflammation

Peri-implantitis involves active, progressive destruction of the supporting bone around a functioning implant in addition to soft tissue inflammation.

The first-line treatment for peri-implant mucositis is:

Answer: Professional debridement combined with patient oral hygiene instruction

Since mucositis is biofilm-induced and reversible, professional cleaning around the implant combined with excellent home hygiene consistently resolves it.

A screw loosening complication with an implant crown is most commonly caused by:

Answer: Insufficient torque or occlusal overload generating bending moments

Inadequate tightening torque or excessive occlusal forces — especially lateral interferences — are the most common causes of abutment or retaining screw loosening.

Nerve injury (paresthesia) after mandibular implant placement is most often associated with:

Answer: Implant placement too close to or into the inferior alveolar nerve canal

The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the mandibular canal and can be compressed, stretched, or severed if the implant encroaches on this structure.

Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental implant surgery is commonly recommended for:

Answer: Systemically compromised patients and per surgeon protocol, typically amoxicillin 2g one hour before

While evidence varies, many surgeons use prophylactic amoxicillin 2g pre-operatively for at-risk patients following ADA/AAOS guidelines to reduce infection risk.