Understanding patients' awareness of peri-implantitis: Implications for dental implant maintenance and preventive care in a university setting.

PURPOSE: To assess patients' knowledge, attitudes and experiences regarding peri-implantitis in a university-based clinical setting and compare findings across general dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics clinics to identify gaps in patient understanding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 306 patients from the School of Dentistry, University of Michigan (general dentistry 104; prosthodontics 100; periodontics 102). Participants completed questionnaires covering oral hygiene habits, awareness of implants and peri-implantitis, risk factors, treatment options and satisfaction with care. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and intergroup comparisons were performed to analyse responses. RESULTS: Although 79% of participants were familiar with dental implants, only 32% were aware of peri-implantitis and its management. Patients treated in periodontics and prosthodontics clinics were more likely to report having received information about dental implants compared to those in general dentistry (P 0.05). Female participants demonstrated greater awareness of risk factors and treatment options than male participants (P 0.05). Although most patients recognised the importance of maintenance care, knowledge regarding complications and contributing factors remained limited. CONCLUSION: Within this university-based population, a substantial gap in patient awareness and understanding of peri-implantitis persists despite general familiarity with dental implants. These findings highlight the need for improved patient education and communication strategies to support preventive care and long-term implant maintenance. CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST STATEMENT: The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest relating to this study.