Considering the absence of predictable and effective therapeutic interventions for the treatment of peri-implantitis, scientific evidence concerning the host response profile around dental implants could be important for providing in the future a wider preventive and/or therapeutic window for this peri-implant lesion, indicating biomarkers that provide quantifiable measure of response to peri-implant therapy. Moreover, a better knowledge of pattern of host osteo-immunoinflammatory modulation in the presence of peri-implantitis could either benefit the early diagnostic of the disease or to cooperate to prognostic information related to the status of the peri-implant breakdown. Finally, new evidences concerning the host profile of modulators of inflammation and of osseous tissue metabolism around dental implants could explain the individual susceptibility for developing peri-implant lesions, identifying individuals or sites with increased risk for peri-implantitis. The focus of this chapter was, based on a systematically searched and critically reviewed literature, summarizing the existing knowledge in the scientific research concerning the host osteo-immunoinflammatory response to the microbiological challenge related to periimplantitis.

Background: This study evaluated the effects of C. verbenacea essential oil topically administered in a rat periodontitis model. Methods: Periodontitis was induced on rats in one of the mandibular first molars assigned to receive a ligature. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: a) non-treatment group (NT) (n = 18): animals received 1mL of vehicle; b) C. verbenacea group (C.v.) (n = 18): animals received 5mg/Kg of essential oils isolated from C. verbenacea. The therapies were administered topically 3 times daily for 11 days. Then, the specimens were processed for morphometric analysis of bone loss. The ligatures were used for microbiological assessment of the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis using PCR. The gingival tissue was collected to Elisa assay of interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-10 levels. Results: Bone loss was inhibited by C. verbenacea when compared to the NT group (p < 0.05). A decrease in the levels of IL-1α and increase in the IL-10 amounts was observed in the C.v. group as compared to NT group (p < 0.05). A lower frequency of P. gingivalis was found in C.v. group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: C. verbenacea essential oil topically administered diminished alveolar bone resorption, promoting a positive local imbalance in the pro/anti-inflammatory system and reducing the frequency of detection of P. gingivalis.