Microbiome Analysis of Peri-Implantitis Sites Using Next-Generation Sequencing: Comparison with Healthy Implant Sites

Abstract

Peri-implantitis represents a significant inflammatory condition affecting dental implants, characterized by progressive bone loss and soft tissue inflammation. The pathogenesis of this condition involves complex microbial dysbiosis that differs substantially from healthy implant sites. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities associated with peri-implantitis through next-generation sequencing technologies, comparing them with healthy implant microbiomes. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from multiple clinical studies, we identified distinct microbial signatures associated with disease progression. The results demonstrate that peri-implantitis sites exhibit significantly higher microbial diversity, with predominance of anaerobic gram-negative bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia. In contrast, healthy implant sites showed enrichment of commensal species such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces species. Furthermore, functional metagenomics revealed enhanced virulence factors and metabolic pathways associated with inflammation in diseased sites. These findings advance our understanding of peri-implantitis etiology and provide a foundation for developing targeted antimicrobial therapies and early diagnostic biomarkers. The clinical implications suggest that microbiome-based interventions could improve long-term implant success rates and patient outcomes.