Perimucositis

Perimucositis is a term used to describe inflammation of the mucous membrane around a localized area, most commonly around dental implants. In dental practice it is sometimes used interchangeably with peri-implant mucositis, an inflammatory lesion of the peri-implant mucosa that occurs without radiographic bone loss. The term is not consistently standardized in medical literature, and in many settings clinicians prefer the explicit term peri-implant mucositis or mucosal inflammation around a prosthesis.

Signs and symptoms typically include erythema (redness), edema (swelling), tenderness, and bleeding on probing of the affected mucosa. Ulceration may be present in some cases. Patients may report discomfort or sensitivity; importantly, there is usually no radiographic evidence of bone loss around the implant or site.

Pathophysiology involves bacterial biofilm triggering a local inflammatory response in the mucosa. Risk factors seen with peri-implant mucositis—such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and a history of periodontitis—also apply to perimucositis when it involves implants or other prosthetic interfaces.

Diagnosis is clinical, based on mucosal signs around the implant or area, with imaging used to exclude bone loss that would indicate peri-implantitis. Differential diagnoses include gingivitis, stomatitis, and other mucosal diseases.

Management focuses on plaque control and inflammation reduction. Non-surgical approaches include professional debridement, mechanical cleaning around the site, and antiseptic irrigation or chlorhexidine rinses. In persistent cases, adjunctive local antibiotics or surgical intervention may be considered to restore mucosal health and prevent progression to peri-implantitis. Prevention relies on meticulous oral hygiene, regular maintenance visits, and addressing systemic risk factors.