Microbiome Shifts in Peri-Implantitis: Longitudinal Characterization of Dysbiosis and Resolution

Objective: To characterize the longitudinal dynamics of the peri-implant microbiome in patients with peri-implantitis and healthy implants. Methods: The peri-implant microbiome was characterized longitudinally in patients with peri-implantitis and healthy implants via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Samples were collected at baseline, 3-, and 6-months post-treatment. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify significant microbial shifts over time RESULTS: At baseline, peri-implantitis sites exhibited significantly higher relative abundances of Prevotella (8.44%) and Fusobacterium (16.91%), compared to healthy implant sites, which were dominated by Streptococcus (16.91%) and Neisseria (10.06%). Post-treatment, Haemophilus increased in both groups by 3 months, particularly in peri-implantitis sites (19.94%). At 6 months, Streptococcus increased in PI sites (13.10%), while Veillonella and Neisseria remained prevalent in healthy sites. Differential abundance analysis confirmed partial recovery of peri-implantitis sites, with baseline dysbiosis marked by increased Veillonella, Treponema denticola, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Conclusions: This study highlights dynamic shifts in the peri-implant microbiome during peri-implantitis progression and recovery, marked by specific changes in Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus, Streptococcus, Veillonella, and key periodontal pathogens. These longitudinal changes offer insights into disease pathogenesis and underscore the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies.