Peri-implantitis (PI) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting dental implants, posing significant challenges due to its high recurrence rate and the limited success of treatments borrowed from periodontitis management. As the prevalence of dental implants rises, the need to understand PI's unique pathogenesis becomes critical.

 The Role of Activated Fibroblasts

Recent research has identified activated fibroblasts—cells in connective tissue that proliferate abnormally—as key players in the pathogenesis of PI. This finding highlights a fundamental distinction between PI and periodontitis, revealing unique biological pathways for PI.

 Discovery of Key Biomarkers

Researchers identified three overexpressed genes—ACTA2, FAP, and PDGFRβ—in PI, which are not present in periodontitis. These biomarkers provide a basis for more accurate differential diagnosis and enable clinicians to develop targeted treatment strategies.

 Improved Treatment and Reduced Recurrence

Biomarker-based diagnostics could reduce misdiagnoses between PI and periodontitis, leading to more precise and effective treatments. Targeted therapeutic approaches for high-risk patients can minimize recurrence rates and improve overall outcomes for PI management.

These findings lay the groundwork for the development of highly specialized treatments over the next 5–10 years. By focusing on the unique biological and immunological characteristics of PI, these therapies can enhance the longevity and success of dental implants and offer insights for managing other chronic inflammatory diseases with similar mechanisms.