Peri-implantitis – A Threat To Dental Implant Health

A healthy mouth promotes longer implant life.

Although most people’s dental implants should be expected to last for around twenty years, and very often more; this is not a given and requires regular oral health care to keep the mouth, and therefore the implant, in a healthy condition.

One of the biggest threats to a dental implant through lack of care is periodontitis. This is the advanced form of gum disease which can attack the bone that holds the implant in place. There is also a similar, although less well-known problem which specifically threatens the survival of a dental implant, and that is peri-implantitis

What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the gum and bone tissue that surround the titanium implant. It can occur at any time once the implant has been placed and is not specific to the osseointegration (bonding) period. Whilst there are usually noticeably symptoms surrounding periodontitis, this is not always the case with peri-implantitis and patients may be unaware that the problem exists. This is one of the reasons why we ask implant patients here at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice to keep ongoing appointments so that we can check the health of their implants.

Risk factors

Whilst most people will manage to avoid peri-implantitis, there are a number of additional risk factors to understand in order to improve the chances of a long-lasting, healthy implant.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption – Both of these habits increase the risk of infections and reduce the body’s ability to fight it. In addition, nicotine causes the tiny blood vessels in the gums to narrow, restricting the flow of blood to the area and slowing down the healing process.
• Bruxism – Grinding your teeth can cause minute movement of the implant, especially if you grind aggressively. This can create areas for damaging bacteria to collect
• Poor oral health – If you value your dental implants, it is essential that you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, as well as maintain hygienist appointments at our Burton dental practice. This allows us to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums and create a healthy environment for your implant.

Treatment

Whilst corrective treatment is available for peri-implantitis, it is an invasive procedure and one best avoided and you can help by looking after your teeth and gums correctly. As part of our ongoing aftercare, our Burton dentists will monitor your implant and advise of any necessary treatment at an early stage.

For more information about modern tooth implants and their aftercare, please arrange a consultation with the implant dentist at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice by calling us on 01283 845345.