Peri-Implantitis
You have waited, recovered, and are ready to enjoy the full life of your new dental implant. However, after some time you notice that it is not quite everything you expected. Suddenly, for an unknown reason, the gums surrounding your implant begin bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. The implant you have cared for is loose? Does it mean it will need to be replaced? Not necessarily, but there are some concerns to address, namely Peri-Implantitis.
What is a Dental Implant?
A Dental Implant is a tooth replacement option that involves placing a metal anchor into the tooth root, through the gum and into the jawbone. After some recovery time the bone will accept and integrate with the implant anchor. This process is known as Osseointegration.
What does it mean if your Dental Implant is Loose?
It is possible that you have developed a condition known as Peri-Implantitis. Peri-Implantitis is an inflammatory condition wherein the gums and bone surrounding the implant become inflamed, degrade, and can cause further complication to the implant.
What are the symptoms of Peri-Implantitis?
The distinguishing condition of Peri-Implantitis is bone loss in the alveolar bone surrounding the implant. There is another inflammatory condition which affects only the soft tissue surrounding the implant, know as Peri-Mucositis. The only way to diagnose Peri-Implantitis is to have a dentist perform a scan to assess bone development and damage around the implant. From the patient’s perspective, Peri-Implantitis shows symptoms of bleeding, pus, discharge, bad breath, and looseness around the implant. The importance of regular checkups and check ins with your dental care team cannot be overstated, mainly because of the presence of inflammatory conditions like Peri-Implantitis.
How does someone get Peri-Implantitis?
Leftover food particles and organic materials accumulate in our mouths and on the surface of our teeth. This is why everyone is always telling you to maintain proper dental hygiene. Without proper hygiene and bacteria removal, the material left on your teeth after eating will accumulate and harden, transitioning to a substance known as plaque. Plaque and harmful bacteria find their way into the gumline, down into the jaw of patients. If left untreated, this nuisance will fester and inflame the gums and bone structure underneath your tooth and implant.
Is Peri-Implantitis Treatable?
It depends on the patient and the severity, but yes there are some actions to take after a diagnosis of Peri-Implantitis. Any attempt to treat Peri-Implantitis should begin with a thorough cleaning and/or disinfecting of the affected area. The Dentist may opt to prescribe antibiotics to try to fight infection in the area. They may also recommend antibacterial mouthwash use. Depending on the structural damage to the jaw, bone grafting may be an option. All available options will be considered and weighed against the health of the patient and their history of infection.
When to see your Dentist
If you have received a Dental Implant, you should already be maintaining regularly schedule checkups with your dental care team. If you notice looseness in your Implant, immediately contact your dentist and hygienist and be seen. Early interventions can be critical in treatment for inflammatory diseases.