Biomarkers associated with periimplant diseases.

PURPOSE

Recently, implantology has shifted its focus from implant placement to periimplant disease early detection, prevention, and treatment. The purpose of this article was to review the current understanding of the biomarkers associated with periimplant diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of PubMed was conducted up to August 2013 with keywords "peri-implantitis" and "biomarkers." Selected articles addressed the relationship between biomarkers and periimplant mucositis or peri-implantitis.

RESULTS

Biomarkers have been shown to possess potential in detecting periimplant diseases. For example, interleukin (IL)-1β levels were shown to be a good marker to detect periimplant mucositis lesions before they progress to peri-implantitis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 levels in periimplant sulcus fluid may be useful for monitoring the progression of periimplant disease. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL) were found to be significantly higher in peri-implantitis sites compared with healthy implant sites.

CONCLUSION

Biomarkers such as IL-1β, MMP-8, OPG, RANKL, and others have shown promising outcomes in differentiating from periimplant disease to health. However, because of varying results, additional evidence is needed to validate the links reported.