Harnessing plasma for peri-implantitis: Technical and clinical insights into its application on dental implants and abutments

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular solution for the replacement of missing teeth in partially or fully edentulous patients. However, one of the most common causes of implant failure is peri-implantitis, an inflammatory disease with a reported prevalence of up to 34%. With the rising number of dental implant placements across all population groups, the prevention and management of peri-implantitis has gained significant importance, both from a health and economic perspective. The global dental implant market is valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion, underscoring the need for effective strategies to prevent and treat this condition. Current approaches to managing peri-implantitis include both surgical and non-surgical methods, such as mechanical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Recently, plasma technology has emerged as a promising alternative in the field of dentistry due to its bactericidal properties, lack of toxic residues, and reduced risk of inducing antimicrobial resistance. This review focuses on the existing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies that explore the use of plasma treatment for the control of peri-implantitis. Special attention is given to the application of plasma irradiation on dental implants or abutments prior to their placement as a potential preventive strategy. The ultimate goal is to assess their effectiveness in improving bone regeneration and soft tissue attachment with a view to controlling peri-implantitis. • Plasma technology shows strong potential as a novel adjunctive tool for the prevention and treatment of peri-implantitis. • Review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies highlights plasma’s bactericidal effects without toxic residues or resistance risk. • Application of plasma to dental implants and abutments prior to placement may enhance osseointegration and soft tissue attachment. • Plasma-based strategies could reduce peri-implantitis prevalence, improving implant longevity and patient outcomes.