Peri-Implant Oral Biology, Public Health, and Future AI Readiness among Women with Dental Implants in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Dental implants can improve oral function and quality of life, but long-term outcomes depend on effective biofilm control, preventive practices, and regular professional maintenance.

Objective: To assess peri-implant oral-biological findings, preventive oral-health practices, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and readiness for future AI-assisted dental care among women with dental implants in Pakistan, and to identify factors associated with clinical peri-implant inflammation.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 300 women with dental implants. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, implant-maintenance practices, plaque/biofilm accumulation, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical peri-implant inflammation, preventive practices, and OHRQoL using the OHIP-14. Associations were examined using appropriate statistical tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Clinical peri-implant inflammation was identified in 105 (35.0%) participants. Plaque accumulation (58.0%), bleeding on probing (42.0%), and probing depth ≥5 mm (24.0%) were common. Inflammation was more frequent among participants with poor preventive practices (48.5%) than among those with good practices (21.4%, p<0.001) and among those without regular implant-maintenance visits (45.9% vs. 20.3%, p<0.001). Two-thirds (66.0%) were willing to consider future AI-supported implant assessment, with 81.8% preferring dentist review. Substantial plaque, poor preventive practices, and irregular/no maintenance were independently associated with inflammation.

Conclusion: The findings support a preventive public-health model integrating implant-specific hygiene education, regular professional maintenance, early clinical assessment, patient-centered OHRQoL monitoring, and carefully governed future AI-supported care with continued dentist oversight.