What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the gum and the bone structure around a dental implant. Chronic inflammation causes bone loss, which can lead to a loose implant that eventually could fall out. The risk of inflammation and infection is higher with implants in comparison with natural teeth, as the implant connection to surrounding bone and gum is more fragile when it comes to bacterial invasion.

If the gums are loose around the implants, harmful bacteria can grow below the gums causing bone loss.

Cause of peri-implantitis

Since an implant cannot attach as tightly to the gums as natural teeth, the risk of inflammation is higher leading to peri-implantitis if exceptional oral hygiene is not carried out both personally and professionally. The gum might become loose around the implant and therefore harmful bacteria can nest more easily in the gum. This can cause not only cause inflammation but also bone loss. Of all implant patients, more than 40% are affected by inflammations around the implant, known as peri-implant mucositis.

Some of the risk factors are:

• Smoking
• Periodontitis
• Genetic sensitivity
• Diabetes
• Poor oral hygiene

Symptoms

How you can recognise peri-implantitis? If you have implants and one or more of the following symptoms, we advise you to contact us for a periodontal assessment as soon as possible.

• Bone loss around implant
• Bleeding gums
• Redness and swelling of the mucosa
• Pus formation
• Pain around a possibly movable implant
• Pain on biting on the dental implant

Peri-implantitis is a multifactorial disorder and bacteria play a huge role, but most likely not the main cause of developing this disease. Bacteria found in peri-implantary pockets can also be found with stable implants.

Consequences

Untreated peri-implantitis can have undesirable consequences. Bone loss is one of them which can result in losing your implant. It is very important to treat this problem fast and efficiently and our experts at Whte Rose Dental Studio have the necessary expertise and qualification to manage this condition for you.

How to prevent peri-implantitis?

Dr Anoushiravan Ariakish , our expert in the field of gum disease and peri-implantitis recommends:

• Brushing your teeth three time a day using an electric tooth brush.
• Brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes each time.
• Using interdental brushes at least once a day.
• Attending a full dental assessment every 6 month
• Having a professional tooth cleaning by a hygienist every 3-6 month depending on the recommendation by the dentist.