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 peri-implantitis is much higher with implants in comparison with natural teeth, as the implant attachments are more fragile. 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 easily to the gums as natural teeth, the risk of inflammation and in the end peri-implantitis, is much higher. The gum stays 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-implantitis.
Some of the risk factors are:
- Smoking
- Periodontitis
- Genetic sensitivity to both
- Diabetes
Symptoms
How you can recognise peri-implantitis? If you have implants and one or more of the following symptoms, we advise you to contact your treating dentist or oral hygienist as soon as possible.
- Bone loss around implant
- Bleeding gums
- Redness and swelling of the mucosa
- Pus formation
- Pain around a possibly movable 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 nasty 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. The TOOTH-guideline of Dr. Blijdorp will give you the information you need.
How to prevent peri-implantitis?
bluem® oral gel is developed to help prevent peri-implantitis. The benefits of bluem® oral gel:
- Normalise and control harmful bacteria in the peri-implantary pockets
- Accelerate the wound healing process after implants
- Accelerate the healing of bleeding gum
Need advice about implant care?
Do you have implants and are you interested in more information about the best oral care? Our dental hygienist can help! In a few simple steps she can explain how to treat your implants accordingly and which bluem products you need.
Frequently asked questions about peri-implantitis
Can you have a full peri-implantitis treatment in one day?
This is possible, but it is still in its experimental phase. There is not a lot known about the success of these “one-day” treatments. The more time implants get to grow in a strong position, the smaller the risks problems will occur.
Can you make a bridge on an implant and own tooth?
This is possible, but not advisable. The constructions often get destroyed. This has got to do with your own tooth which is “movable” and an implant isn’t. Because of this fact all pressure is on the implant which can result in breakage of the implant itself.
Can you place a new implant when the other is lost?
This should be possible. It depends how the old implant got lost. If the cause is known, a new implant can be placed when the bone is healed.