Soft‐Tissue Phenotype as a Risk Indicator of Peri‐Implantitis and Peri‐Implant Soft‐Tissue Dehiscence—A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Aim To investigate the association, as well as to characterize the associated panel of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory markers, between the different components of the peri‐implant phenotype and the presence of peri‐implantitis/peri‐implant soft‐tissue dehiscence (PISTD). Materials and Methods A total of 324 implants in 112 patients were included. The following components of the peri‐implant phenotype were clinically measured through the use of a manual periodontal probe or a digital calliper: keratinized mucosa width (PIKM‐W), mucosal thickness (MT), attached mucosa (AM) and vestibulum depth (VD). The presence of peri‐implantitis and PISTD was assessed through clinical and radiographic examination. Mixed‐models logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse the association between peri‐implant phenotype and the presence of peri‐implantitis or PISTD, adjusting for relevant confounders. Multiplex immunoassays were employed to evaluate the peri‐implant crevicular fluid levels of a panel of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory markers. Results Peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis were diagnosed in 36.6%, 21.4% and 42% of the patients (classified according to their worst implant) and 35.2%, 34.3%, and 30.5% of the implants, respectively. In the multi‐level multiple regression model, the absence of PIKM‐W (odds ratio [OR] = 9.24; 95% CI: 2.73–31.28), the absence of attached mucosa (OR = 19.58; 95% CI: 6.12–62.56) and a reduced (