Your dental implant is supposed to be a long-term fix. But what if, after a few months, you observe bleeding or swelling surrounding it?
Implants have a solid track record, but they, like natural teeth, require regular cleanings to remain healthy. One issue we help patients navigate is peri-implantitis, a condition that can quietly develop around an implant and, if left untreated, lead to bone loss or even implant failure.
We’re seeing more and more people come in with questions about peri-implantitis, and catching it early is the key to saving your implant.
In this blog, we’re going to take you through the specifics of peri-implantitis, how to identify the early signs, and what you can do to save your implant and your oral health.
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting the gums and bone around a dental implant. It usually starts in the soft tissues, but if it is not treated early, it may lead to bone loss and even loss of the implant.
It’s frequently confused with peri-implant mucositis, which is a less severe condition. It’s a significant distinction since peri-implant mucositis only causes inflammation of the gums and is generally reversible with good care. Peri-implantitis goes deeper and targets the bone, thereby making it more serious and harder to treat.
The following factors can lead to Peri-implantitis:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Existing gum disease
- Inadequate implant positioning
We can stay ahead of these dental maladies if we are aware of the difference between these two conditions and why they occur. The sooner we catch it, the greater the chance to save your implant.
Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Problems with a dental implant may not necessarily show up with pain. More often than not, all may appear well until it becomes significantly more difficult to resolve the issue. That’s why it helps to look out for the warning signs.
Early warning signs to be aware of:
- Red or irritated gums around the implant
- Bleeding upon brushing or when you go for a checkup
- Persistent bad breath or a strange taste that won’t disappear
- A slight motion or tenderness near the implant
- Pus or drainage occurrence
Even if they seem like minor symptoms, they may be the beginning of an underlying issue. If anything seems unusual, best to get it checked out. Catching infection early provides us with the best option to protect your implant and your smile.
Diagnosing Peri-Implantitis: What to Expect
If you think something is wrong in the area around your implant, the initial step is an evaluation. That involves a visual inspection, a light probing to look for inflammation or bleeding, and digital X-rays or CBCT imaging to evaluate any bone loss. At Ridge Oral Surgery, we use new-age 3D imaging to provide you with the best possible treatment.
Early identification is paramount. Treating the issue before it gets too advanced often allows us to avoid needing stronger treatment, or even implant removal.
In certain instances, if the inflammation is only in its initial stages, we can treat it with non-surgical methods such as deep cleaning and antimicrobial treatment. The earlier we begin, the more successful the treatment will be.
Modern Peri-Implantitis Treatment Options
Managing an infection around an implant might sound daunting, but today’s therapies give us more ways than ever to keep your smile intact.
Non-Surgical Methods
In the case of early-stage infections, we tend to start with the cleaning of the peri-implant area to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. This is sometimes accompanied by antibacterial mouthwashes, antibiotic therapy to the area, or laser decontamination for decreased inflammation and healing.
Surgical Procedures
If the infection has taken hold, surgical treatments are suggested. These can range from flap surgery to decontaminate around implant threads, bone grafting to regain lost support, to the use of regenerative biomaterials to facilitate healing.
New therapies such as photodynamic therapy, laser treatment, and ozone therapy are also proving to be very effective.
With advances in the treatment of peri-implantitis, we are now able to salvage implants that would have been lost a few years ago.
How to Prevent Peri-Implantitis in the First Place
The best method to minimize issues with your implant is to maintain consistency of care, both at home and in the dental chair. The first steps are simple: brush and floss twice a day, and if possible, use a water flosser to clean the area surrounding the implant.
Regular appointments with a specialist who specializes in implant care are equally crucial. These cleanings help to identify minor concerns before they become major ones.
Also, try to steer clear of smoking and keep conditions like diabetes well-managed, as both can increase your risk of peri-implantitis.
Don’t skip your follow-ups, especially in the first year. That is where we can spot the warning signs. Preventing peri-implantitis starts with what you and your active steps towards oral care.
Why Choose Ridge Oral Surgery for Implant Health
We, at Ridge Oral Surgery, are proud to provide cutting-edge, professional care for every stage of your dental implant procedure. Our proficiency in identifying and managing implant issues enables us to take early action, protecting your implant before more involved treatments are required.
If you’re suffering from peri-implantitis symptoms, our clinic offers the latest diagnostics and most effective treatments, intended to restore stability and protect your future oral health.
With the latest laser technology and regenerative equipment at our disposal, we provide the highest quality of care for patients in Warren, Bridgewater, Morristown, and more.
Ridge Oral Surgery is ready to protect your smile with accuracy, skill, and compassion that lasts. Book your appointment today!
