Peri-implantitis is best described as inflammation around dental implants.

• A. Gingival epithelium
• B. Peri-implantitis
• C. Periodontitis
• D. Osteomyelitis

Answer: (B)

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition of the tissues surrounding a dental implant, with inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone around the implant. Clinically you’d expect redness, swelling, possible bleeding on probing, and sometimes pus, along with radiographic bone loss over time. This is distinct from gingival epithelium, which is just gum tissue and not a disease process; periodontitis, which affects the periodontium around natural teeth rather than around implants; and osteomyelitis, which is an infection inside the bone itself. Therefore, the term that best describes inflammation around dental implants is peri-implantitis.