Assessing bacterial risk factors for periodontitis and peri-implantitis: using evidence to enhance outcomes.

This article discusses the use of microbial diagnostics and their relationship to the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant disease. Clinical and microbiologic characteristics are described to help the practitioner recognize patients with periodontitis and peri-implant infections. By using available information (evidence) to guide the choice of therapeutic intervention, the clinician can enhance the outcomes resulting from therapy.