Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the bone and connective tissue around a dental implant. The occurrence of chronic inflammation can lead to bone loss, which may cause the implant to wobble and eventually fall out.
What causes peri-implantitis?
Given that an implant cannot adhere to the gums as easily as natural teeth, there is a considerable risk of inflammation and ultimately peri-implantitis. The cavity remains moist around the implant, which facilitates the growth of harmful microorganisms. This can lead to bone loss in addition to inflammation.
Inflammation of the gum around an implant (peri-implant mucositis) is very common among implant patients and, if left untreated, can progress to peri-implantitis.
Risk factors include:
- Smoking
- A history of periodontitis (the gum disease that destroys the supporting bone of the teeth).
- Genetics
- Diseases such as diabetes
Signs and symptoms of peri-implantitis
- Bleeding
- Redness and swelling of the mucosa
- Pus formation around the implant
- Pain around the implant
- Bone loss
- Implant mobility
- Recession in the gingiva and the implant is beginning to be seen
Peri-implantitis is a complex process: the bacterial plaque that builds up around the implant is the trigger, and factors such as smoking, daily hygiene and general health determine how quickly it progresses.
Treatment for peri-implantitis
Treatment is staged according to the severity of the lesion:
Non-surgical decontamination. The first step consists of using curettes and ultrasound to remove the bacterial build-up from the surface of the dental implant.
Access surgery. If that is not enough, a small flap is opened in the gum to remove the granulation tissue and thoroughly clean the implant surface.
Resective or regenerative techniques. Depending on the degree of bone defect, the bone is reshaped or regeneration of the lost bone is attempted; sometimes both are combined.
In the most advanced cases, the solution is to remove the compromised dental implant, treat the area and, once the bone allows it, place a new implant.
How is peri-implantitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is clinical and radiographic. During the check-up, the dentist examines the gum around the implant and uses a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the sulcus and check for bleeding or suppuration. An X-ray then shows the bone level around the implant, which is compared with the level it had when the implant was placed.
That is why regular check-ups matter so much: caught early, the inflammation can be stopped before bone is lost.
How to prevent peri-implantitis
- Thorough daily hygiene: brush twice a day paying attention to the implant area, and clean between the teeth with interdental brushes or floss.
- Professional maintenance: regular dental cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach.
- Control the risk factors: quitting smoking and keeping conditions such as diabetes under control greatly reduces the risk of peri-implantitis.
- Act at the first sign: if the gum bleeds, reddens or suppurates around the implant, book a periodontics appointment as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions about peri-implantitis
Does peri-implantitis hurt?
Not always, and that is what makes it dangerous: in many cases it progresses without pain. Bleeding, redness or suppuration around the implant are usually the first signs, before any discomfort.
Can an implant with peri-implantitis be saved?
Caught early, yes. The prognosis depends mainly on how much bone has been lost: the sooner it is treated, the better the chances of keeping the implant.
How often should implants be checked?
As a general rule, at least one check-up a year, and more often if you smoke, have had periodontitis or your dentist advises it. Regular maintenance is the best guarantee that an implant will last for many years.
