Primary prevention of Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a site-specific infectious disease that causes an inflammatory process in soft tissues and bone loss around an osseointegrated implant in function.

When dental implants have been placed in your jawbone successfully, osseointegration (connection) occurs. The metal or ceramic part of the implant is placed into your jawbone, where the bone attaches itself directly to the implant, growing all around it and supporting it. However, certain complications can cause your tissue to disintegrate along with bone loss around the implant- this results in peri-implantitis.

What are the causes?

The cells in the inflammatory lesion cause considerable tissue damage when trying to protect itself against micro-organisms. Degradation of the connective tissue is followed by epithelial migration (movement) and bone resorption which marks the borderline between gingivitis/mucositis and periodontitis/peri-implantitis.

Millions of bacteria replicate in the oral cavity each minute, although some may be helpful, others are harmful and can cause the tissues in the mouth to become inflamed and infected. While dental implants do not decay, they are still susceptible to infection. When the implant becomes infected, it is referred to as peri-implantitis. This is a very serious infection that is similar to periodontal disease (gum disease).

Signs of failed dental implants

If you have had a dental implant and have experienced these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist at your earliest convenience:-

Severe pain or discomfort
A loose of shifting implant
Swelling or inflammation of the gums
Gum recession around the implant
Difficulty chewing and biting

Dental implants often come with no complications at all but some do not always respond well when firstly inserted; this may be due to the individual themselves.

For example, if an individual who has had an implant normally retains good oral hygiene, they’re more likely to have a successful implant as their oral health is strong, therefore there should be no issue with their soft tissue being able to osseointergate or the chance that their bone is weak and unable to successfully hold the implant.

Whereas, an individual with poor oral health and a weaker bone structure may experience issues where their tissue and bone disintegrates as it is not strong enough to hold the implant, as well as it not being strong enough to protect itself from the micro-organisms, which are causing this to happen.

Prevention and treatment options

Like Gum Disease, if noticed soon enough, peri-implantitis can be prevented by maintaining a high level of oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, using dental floss and rinsing with mouthwash 30 minutes after brushing is highly recommended as part to retail good oral health.

Although, in more severe cases treatment for peri-implantitis would usually require surgical treatment. The treatment would usually consist of trying to control the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation in the tissues.

For more information on dental health please contact Mark Tangri Dental Excellence today on 0333 1234 999.