Mr Waldner, earlier this year, you presented impressive long-term data at a press event in Switzerland. Is it really possible to prevent peri-implantitis completely?
Yes, it is. Patent has been demonstrated in two long-term studies to prevent peri-implantitis and is the only implant system to have realised this clinical achievement! The most remarkable aspect of Dr Sofia Karapataki’s study at the Medical University of Graz is that, even in everyday patients with risk factors such as tobacco use and systemic disease or chronic inflammation—like diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis or periodontitis—no peri-implantitis was found by the end of the 12-year observation period.² This finding shows that state-of-the-art technologies now make it possible to eliminate peri-implantitis from daily implant practice.

Are such results also achievable using other technologies?
According to the European Federation of Periodontology’s S3 guideline published in June 2023, 22% of implant patients are affected by peri-implantitis.³ That is one in five patients! Also, according to the guideline, managing peri-implantitis is challenging, unpredictable and associated with significant morbidity. Furthermore, the guideline reports an even more alarming prevalence of peri-implant mucositis, the chronic inflammation of the soft tissue that precedes peri-implantitis. So, to answer your question succinctly: no, apparently not. To my knowledge, there is no long-term study on conventional implant systems that has reported similar outcomes to those achieved by Patent.

It is also important to note that peri-implantitis is irreversible. We know that the treatment options that are available today cannot achieve complete re-osseointegration of the initially exposed implant surface.^4, 5 Therefore, our focus must shift to prevention via the use of new concepts and technologies.

What is the key to the success of the Patent Dental Implant System in preventing peri-implantitis?
The key to success lies in the mucophilic transmucosal surface of the Patent implant. In the transmucosal region, we have optimised the surface topography for the best possible adhesion of soft tissue. Consequently, a uniquely strong bond forms between the implant surface and the soft tissue, acting as an effective defensive barrier against plaque and bacteria.

What is also crucial is that the Patent system has been designed to avoid a micro-gap at the subgingival level. Most conventional implant systems have such gaps, and these provide an entry point for bacteria and are difficult to control or maintain owing to their positioning in the soft tissue or at bone level. In contrast, the prosthetic connection and crown margin of Patent are deliberately positioned in the cleansable zone, accessible for dental check-ups and daily oral hygiene. The result of this combination is no peri-implantitis, even in the long term.

How would you summarise these developments for clinicians?
The choice of medical device determines whether clinicians are willing to accept the risk of peri-implantitis or avoid it. Medical technologies have advanced, opening up new possibilities. The current state of research clearly shows that peri-implantitis can be prevented entirely and that peri-implant mucositis can be significantly reduced. It is now up to dental professionals to select the right dental implant technology from those that are available.

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