Peri implant disease or peri implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects tissues surrounding a dental implant. It usually occurs when the soft tissue around an implant is infect or breaks down. This causes extreme pain, swelling, difficulty in biting or chewing, and even implant failure.
When this occurs, peri implant disease treatment is important to ensure the safety of your dental implant.
What is Peri implant Mucositis?
Peri-implant mucositis is the early stage of a peri-implant disease. Just like gingivitis, this stage is easier to treat and prevent with the help of proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
The disease is more common in people who smoke, have diabetes, or other medical conditions. Moreover, the chances of disease are also higher in people who have had denture implants done for many years.
What Causes Peri-implant Disease?
Peri-implant disease is mainly cause by poor oral health which allows the bacteria to build up below the gumline. If left untreated, this infection can go deep down in the gum tissue or mucosa. Other risk factors include:
1. Smoking:
People who smoke are more prone to develop peri-implant disease due to decreased blood flow to the gums. In addition, smokers also tend to have more bacterial plaque in their mouths.
2. Diabetes:
People with uncontrolled diabetes are at an alarming risk of developing peri-implant disease due to reduced blood flow. Poor blood circulation hinders your ability to heal from infection or injury.
3. Suppressed Immune System:
Patients with suppressed immune systems including AIDS or cancer are also at high risk of developing peri-implantitis.
4. Poor Implant Placement:
Improperly placed implants or implants that are placed in areas with inadequate bone support also increase the risk of infection at the implant site.
5. Overloading:
Exerting too much force on the implant by biting or chewing may also lead to peri-implantitis as it increases wear and damage to the implant.
6. Avoiding Follow-ups:
You need to visit your periodontist at least once after dental implant placement to ensure that peri-implantitis is not affecting you.
What are the Signs of Peri-implant Disease?
You need peri implant disease treatment if you have the following symptoms:
1. Discharge of pus from or around the implant.
2. Swelling or redness around the implant.
3. Pain or tenderness in gums.
4. Loosening of the implant.
5. Persistent bad taste in the mouth.
6. Bone loss due to implant disease.
How is Peri Implant Disease Treated?
Peri implant disease treatment includes a combination of mechanical debridement and antimicrobial therapy. The goal of its treatment is to decontaminate the tissue around the implant before the infection spreads to the jawbone.
A mechanical debridement involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the implant surface and surrounding tissues with the help of specialized instruments. This is usually done at a periodontist clinic.
Antimicrobial therapy includes the use of antimicrobial rinses or gels to kill bacteria and control infection. For instance, Chlorhexidine gluconate is a common antimicrobial rinse for treating peri-implant disease.
How to Prevent Peri Implant Disease?
Following good oral hygiene is a prerequisite to avoid peri-implant disease in the first place. In addition, visiting a good dentist for dental implant placement is also crucial to ensure the safety of the implant and prevent peri-implant disease from developing.
To Sum It Up
Peri-implant disease is caused by improper care and attention to oral hygiene. If your dental implant is not properly placed, it may also invite bacteria and cause the disease. Hence, taking good care of your oral health and ensuring the safety of the implant is important to avoid the disease.
If you wish to consult a periodontist for dental implant placement or peri-implant disease, you can visit us at Periodontal Specialists or schedule an appointment with us here.
