PERI-EDU was represented at MEDIF Day 2026, a conference devoted to the relationship between modern implant technologies, biological principles and predictable long-term treatment outcomes. The meeting took place in Warsaw on 3 October 2026.
Connective tissue substitutes and gingival augmentation around implants
Prof. Marzena Dominiak delivered the lecture “Substitutes and Connective Tissue in Gingival Augmentation Around Implants — Long-term Observations.” The presentation addressed the clinical importance of peri-implant soft-tissue dimensions and compared different approaches to gingival augmentation, including connective tissue and substitute materials.
The lecture highlighted that peri-implant soft tissues are not only an aesthetic consideration. Their quality, thickness and width contribute to tissue stability, facilitate plaque control and influence the biological environment surrounding an implant. Insufficient tissue dimensions may be associated with greater plaque accumulation, inflammation, marginal bone-level changes and an increased risk of biological complications.
Soft-tissue thickness
Adequate tissue thickness supports mucosal stability and may help limit unfavourable remodelling around an implant.
Keratinized tissue width
A sufficient band of keratinized mucosa can facilitate daily hygiene and support comfortable, effective plaque control.
Inflammation prevention
Local tissue conditions should be considered together with implant position, restoration design, professional maintenance and patient-performed hygiene.
Local conditions matter
Favourable local conditions — including adequate bone quality and volume, sufficient soft-tissue thickness and an appropriate width of keratinized mucosa — can help reduce the risk of peri-implant inflammation. They do not replace effective plaque control, periodontal stability and structured supportive care.
Interdisciplinary education within PERI-EDU
The subject presented at MEDIF Day reflects PERI-EDU’s broader objective: improving the recognition, prevention and management of peri-implant diseases through evidence-based education. These issues are relevant not only to implant dentistry, periodontology and oral surgery, but also to physicians who may encounter patients with chronic oral inflammation and systemic risk factors.
Education for physicians in specialist training
As part of its interdisciplinary dissemination activities, PERI-EDU also brings knowledge concerning peri-implant inflammation and oral–systemic health to educational initiatives for physicians specializing in family medicine. This supports communication between dental professionals and primary care teams, particularly in patients with multiple risk factors or chronic diseases.
Participation in MEDIF Day 2026 strengthened the transfer of PERI-EDU knowledge into clinical education and emphasized that the prevention of peri-implantitis begins with careful planning of both hard and soft tissues, followed by effective hygiene and long-term supportive care.
PERI-EDU — “Innovative Education in the Prevention and Treatment of Peri-implant Diseases,” project no. 2024-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000251208, co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.