Peri-implantitis; Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
If you want to replace missing teeth because you are feeling self-conscious, or you are struggling to bite or chew food, or you have traditional dentures you want to replace with a more reliable restoration, dental implants are a the best long-term, natural-looking solution.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is surgically placed directly into your jawbone, replacing your missing tooth root. After it is placed, the jawbone surrounding your implant will gradually fuse to it, securing the implant firmly in place.
A false tooth, or crown, which matches the color and shape of your natural teeth, is then affixed to the top of the implant, providing you with a permanent solution and a natural looking, healthy smile.
What is Peri-implantitis?
Peri-implant disease is an inflammatory condition which affects the soft and hard gum tissue around your dental implant. Like a natural tooth, bacteria can accumulate on the base of the implant, below your gum line. Over time, the bacteria irritate your gum tissue, causing it to swell, damaging the tissue, and if not caught early will also cause the bone structure below the implant to deteriorate.
Peri-implant diseases are classified into two categories.
* Peri-implant mucositis- Gum inflammation is only around the soft tissues of the dental implant, with no evidence of bone loss. Peri-implant mucositis is often a precursor to peri-implantitis. Evidence has proven that peri-implant mucositis can be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early.
* Peri-implantitis- Gum inflammation is found around the soft tissue and there is also deterioration in the bone supporting the dental implant. Peri-implantitis usually will require surgical treatment.
Signs of peri-implant disease is much like symptoms of gum disease, red or tender gums around the implant, or bleeding when brushing. Just like your natural teeth, your implant requires regular tooth brushing and flossing and regular check-ups from your dentist. Other risks factors for the development of peri-implant disease include previous periodontal disease, poor plaque control, diabetes, and smoking. It is important to routinely monitor a dental implant as part of your comprehensive periodontal evaluation.
The upside to a dental implant is it functions like your natural tooth. The downside is, they are also capable of becoming diseased just like a natural tooth. With a simple proper oral health routine, your dental implant can last a lifetime.
Treatment
It can be challenging to treat peri-implantitis. Depending on the nature of the disease, treatment can vary significantly, from non-surgical therapy to control the infection and detoxify the implant surface, to a surgical procedure to regenerate the bone that has been lost.
Due to the screw-shaped design and titanium surface of the implant, debridement on the surface of the implant is ineffective in removing all the bacteria. To enhance the non-surgical treatment options of peri-implantitis, debridement can be used in combination with antiseptic, antibiotic therapy, and regenerative surgery. The combination of treatments can vary depending on the severity of the peri-implantitis.
Cumulative interceptive supportive therapy, a protocol of therapeutic measures, provides guidance for your dentist to decide which approach should be used to treat peri-implantitis, depending on the tissue condition, whether there is any dental plaque, bleeding on probing, and evidence of bone loss with an x-ray.