What is Peri-implantitis?

One of the risks associated with dental implants is a condition called Peri-implantitis.

Peri-implantitis Definition: Infectious disease that causes inflammation of the surrounding gum and bone of an already integrated dental implant, leading to the loss of supporting bone.

Bone Loss Around Dental Implants

Bone is lost around the dental implant for a variety of reasons.  This condition sometimes occurs without the patient being aware of it. There are many factors on why this can happen.  Some dental implants on some patients will develop bone loss which can happen days after the implant is placed, after having the crown put on the implant (for regular implants) or it can happen many years down the road. It can happen to regular implants or mini implants, like the ones used in Snap in Dentures. Dental implants are fantastic, but nothing is without risks. If any dentist tells you they are 100% successful and have no problems ever, I would suggest seeking another opinion.

This condition is difficult to treat but fortunately, most patients never develop this. Most patients are unaware that they have bone loss around the dental implant. Peri-implantitis generally progresses in a painless fashion. Once it is established, you may begin to develop symptoms.

There are several risk factors. Medical issues such as diabetes, osteoporosis and poor immune systems are more at risk for developing bone loss around dental implants and of course the patients habits like smoking wich definitely causes constriction of blood vessels which leads to bone loss and of course, the hygiene routine. If you have had gum disease in the past, or if you have a heavy bite you are more at risk.

The home and after care is also critical, brushing twice a day for 3 to 5 minutes with toothbrush, flossing and use of waterpick once a day and using adjuncts such as a rubber tip need to happen every single day… Forever!!  Grinding your teeth is another risk factor for dental implant bone loss.

The signs of peri-implantitis are:

• gum pockets deepen
• pus comes out from the implants and gums
• bleeding at the gumline
• appearance – gum is red, or slightly purplish bluish, tartar/plaque build up
• progressive loss of supporting bone on x-rays
• metal thread exposure

Peri-implantitis it’s not always symptomatic and typically there is no pain. Some patients complain of dull aches or tenderness when they brush or touch the area. You can also develop a bad taste if pus has developed. If it is very severe, the glands in your neck may become swollen and you may even feel the dental implants being loose.

Who Should Correct Your Dental Implants?

Unfortunately many of the patients with this problem had implants done with inexperienced dentists or large supercenter practices. Correction of dental implants with problems should be performed by a dentist who routinely performs this procedure.

The first thing that have to be checked is x-rays, they give a lot of information about how advanced or severe is the problem. Sometimes a 3-D scanning is necessary to see the inside surface.

Sometimes gum disease on other teeth just nearby which can stimulate peri-implantitis to start on the implant. Generally some type of exploratory surgery needs to be done to find out the cause and do a simultaneous bone graft in an attempt to save the implant. Not all implants that have peri-implantitis can be saved.

Treatment

The long-term goals are to stop the progression of bone loss and maintain your dental implants! Generally speaking the area will need to be cleaned thoroughly using dental instruments. Oftentimes antibiotics will be prescribed and special antibacterials will be applied to the implants itself such as iodine or tetracycline.

Most peri-implantitis dental implants require surgery and bone grafting. This means that your gums have to be opened and the area has to be detoxified. All of the bacteria must be killed in order to have bone regrafted onto the implants. The patient will definitely need an antibiotic treatment after this procedure.

Time will tell if the procedure works. There are no guarantees on grafting around implants that have pre-existing bone loss.

We have to be realistic, when an implant has had too much bone loss the success rate can be as low as 35 to 50%. Some severe cases of peri-implantitis are better off removing the implant and placing a new one.

Just because one implant may have failed or develop bone loss, it doesn’t mean the second one will.

Remember that in case you lose an implant, we will replace it for free. It’s our mission to make your treatment successful!

For more information about Snap in Dentures call toll free 1800 961 0419, we want to help you to smile again and Snap in Dentures have proved to be one of the best solutions, come with us and get your confidence back!