David Chvartszaid: Distinction between normality and pathology of marginal bone around oral implants

Distinguishing normal and abnormal marginal bone behaviour around osseointegrated implants is a complex and controversial topic. Dr Chvartszaid reviews why this distinction is difficult, and discusses topics such as the existence of multiple proposed etiologies, deficiencies in existing knowledge, shortcomings in the currently used clinical parameters and imperfect and inconsistent terminology. There is no universal agreement on what clinical and diagnostic parameters should be assessed and monitored, and how the thresholds are set has an influence on the perceived severity of the problem. Dr Chvartszaid concludes that therefore 'peri-implantitis is an abused, overused and misused term.