Peri-Implant Diseases: Characteristics of the Microbiota and of the Host Response in Humans - A Narrative Review.

The present narrative review provides a summary of the temporal and spatial reactions of the oral microbiome to the placement of a dental implant into the oral cavity, depicting the most important interactions between the oral microbiota and the host response involved in the development of peri-implant infections in humans (i.e., peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis). Starting with the formation of a pellicle to acute and rampant peri-implant inflammation, a number of steps, including biofilm formation, aggressive bacterial invasion, and host defense mechanisms, are involved. Better understanding of the factors related to the host response and changes in the composition of microbiota has led to the development of novel treatment modalities. Finally, a short outlook into the future is provided.