Periimplantitis: what is it, what are the causes, symptoms and how to treat it?

The dental implant is the ideal solution to replace an edentulous space (dental gap), and is considered to have a very high success rate of approximately 90-95%. However, there are rare cases in which some complications may occur, generally caused by incorrect insertion of the implant or loss of bone tissue around the implant. These side effects of dental implants usually occur after their integration and the most common cause is peri-implantitis.

What is periimplantitis?

Periimplantitis is a condition that occurs in patients who have had dental implant procedures. Periimplantitis is similar to gum disease in that it causes damage to the gums and surrounding teeth. Like periodontal disease, your gums become inflamed and red. It is a form of disease equivalent to periodontitis that occurs in natural teeth, so implants inserted as a result of the loss of teeth affected by periodontitis are more prone to peri-implantitis.

Possible symptoms of periimplantitis

• Sensitivity to brushing: Inflammation can cause redness and soreness of the gum tissue around implants, and sensitivity is an early sign.
• Inflammation and discolouration of the gums: Very noticeable discolouration of the gums can occur through receding gums and discolouration.
• Implant loosening: The appearance of implant mobility caused by bone loss.
• Pus discharge from inside the gums around the implant: Also identified by foul-smelling breath that is accompanied by purulent discharge.

In the early stages of periimplantitis, symptoms are relatively mild. The longer the infection remains untreated, the more serious the side effects will become. Eventually, dental implants may fail and bone structure may be damaged.

What causes periimplantitis?

• Impaired immune system: Patients suffering from a disease that can affect the whole body are at higher risk of periimplantitis. If you have diabetes or a similar disease, consult your dentist before making any decisions to insert dental implants.
• Unresolved dental problems: These can even be involuntary habits you may have, such as grinding your teeth while sleeping or mispositioning your teeth when your jaw is closed.
• Incorrect dental care: Lack of use of dental care aids, mouthwash, interdental brushes, dental floss and their incorrect use causes bacteria and retains food debris.

Peri-implantitis treatment at Perio Care dental clinic in Timisoara

• Cleaning the area: In the early stage, laser cleaning of the area is the first recommended treatment. In addition to thoroughly cleaning the infected area, antibiotics help kill unhealthy bacteria remaining in the gums and bones.
• Surgery: The most severe cases of peri-implantitis require removal of the implant and a bone graft to replace the damaged bone.

Long-term treatment of peri-implantitis aims to halt the development of the pathology, strengthen bone tissue and prevent reversals.

Peri-implantitis prevention at Perio Care Clinic Timisoara

It is recommended that during the first week after dental implant surgery, the patient does not consume hot foods or drinks or hard or sticky foods. Eating soft foods, reducing smoking and avoiding carbonated drinks is recommended. In addition to daily brushing and proper care, it is important to have professional dental hygiene at least twice a year.

If you are experiencing pain and tenderness when chewing, exercising or even discomfort in your jaw, this indicates a problem and should be examined by your dentist as soon as possible. Taking the time for a regular checkup will only benefit your dental system.

At Perio Care we avoid any kind of complication, that's why we give rigorous attention to the consultation, the individual treatment plan, corresponding to each smile, but especially to the treatment.

dr. Alin Drăgan
Clinica Perio Care