High-frequency Ultrasound: A Noninvasive Tool for Detecting Peri-implant Mucositis and PI Disease Progression

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggests the use of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) as a noninvasive tool for detecting peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis (PI) disease progression.

Study Overview

A study was conducted to apply HFUS echo intensity for characterizing peri-implant tissues at healthy and diseased sites and to investigate possible ultrasonographic markers of health versus disease. Sixty patients presenting 60 implants diagnosed as healthy (N = 30) and peri-implantitis (N = 30) were assessed with HFUS. HFUS scans were imported into software where first-order greyscale outcomes [i.e., mean echo intensity (EI)] and second-order greyscale outcomes were assessed. Other ultrasonographic outcomes of interest involved:

• Vertical extension of the hypoechoic supracrestal area (HSA)
• Soft-tissue area (STA)
• Buccal bone dehiscence (BBD)
• Among others

Results

HFUS EI mean values obtained from peri-implant soft tissue at healthy and diseased sites were 122.9 ± 19.7 and 107.9 ± 24.7 grey levels (GL); p = .02, respectively. All the diseased sites showed the appearance of an HSA that was not present in healthy implants (area under the curve = 1). The proportion of HSA/STA was 37.9% ± 14.8%. Regression analysis showed that EI of the peri-implant soft tissue was significantly different between healthy and peri-implantitis sites. HFUS EI characterization of peri-implant tissues shows a significant difference between healthy and diseased sites. HFUS EI and the presence/absence of an HSA may be valid diagnostic ultrasonographic markers to discriminate peri-implant health status.

Reference

Galarraga-Vinueza, M. E., Barootchi, S., Mancini, L., Sabri, H., Schwarz, F., Gallucci, G. O., & Tavelli, L. (2024). Echo-intensity characterization at implant sites and novel diagnostic ultrasonographic markers for peri-implantitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13976