What Is Peri-Implantitis? Causes, Treatment, and How To Protect Your Dental Implants

Dec 19

Peri-implantitis is a chronic inflammatory dental condition associated with plaque that affects the health of the gums and jawbones. This is specific to areas around dental implants and those impacted by progressive bone loss.

The chronic condition can compromise the implant's overall stability and is usually characterized by bleeding gums, swelling, and inflammation. X-rays will also show significant bone loss and a much deeper pocket depth than is natural.

This is a similar condition to standard periodontal disease or gum disease for natural teeth. This stage of peri-implantitis will require professional cleaning and treatment to resolve and prevent further gum damage.

“Choosing the right dental implants for your mouth and properly caring for them will help prevent infections and additional complications.”

How Is Peri-Implantitis Different From Peri-Implantitis Mucositis?

Mucositis is the early Peri-Implantitis stage characterized solely by inflammation and does not include bone loss. A plaque-related condition, this stage can result in lesions in the gums where bacteria and plaque have accumulated. At this stage, the condition may be reversible with early intervention, professional cleaning, and good dental hygiene.

What Are All The Stages of Peri-Implantitis?

There are three primary stages of Peri-Implantitis:

Early: Mild inflammation, red and swollen gums (Peri-Mucositis), minimal or no bone loss
Moderate: Significant inflammation, painful and receding gums, measurable bone loss
Advanced: Severe bone loss, loose implants, pain, discharge or pus, infection, failed implant

What Causes Peri-Implantitis and Who Is Susceptible?

Common Peri-Implantitis causes are plaque and bacterial buildup around a dental implant. This leads to bleeding gums, inflammation, and ultimately, infection.

The screw shape of the implant and the titanium surface are susceptible to plaque accumulation. If not cared for properly, this can lead to inflammation and Peri-Implantitis.

Other Peri-Implantitis causes that contribute to the chronic condition include poor oral hygiene, a history of gum disease, unmanaged diabetes, and smoking.

Are Certain Types of Dental Implants More Susceptible To Peri-Implantitis?

In some cases, yes. Implant placement, shape, and positioning can lead to greater sensitivity and increase the risk of plaque buildup or inflammation. Other factors that may contribute to a higher risk of Peri-Implantitis are a thin buccal bone plate and certain medical conditions, like diabetes.

Choosing the right dental implants for your mouth and properly caring for them will help prevent infections and additional complications.

What Are The Signs of Peri-Implantitis?

Identifying Peri-Implantitis early can prevent infection and further damage. The most common clinical signs of Peri-Implantitis include:[1]

Bleeding gums when probed
Deeper tooth pockets
Visibly receding gums
Redness and swelling
Signs of a draining sinus tract near the implant
Tenderness and discomfort

Under the X-ray, other signs of Peri-Implantitis may include:

Bone loss
Lower bone height
Reduced bone circumference
Changes in bone density

What Is The Treatment For Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis treatment options will vary depending on the Peri-Implantitis stages being treated. Most interventions will focus on managing infection and cleaning implant surfaces, similar to treating periodontitis for natural teeth.

Some medications, like antibiotics and antiseptics, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat infection. Ultrasonic laser treatments may also be appropriate for some patients to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue.[2]

Additional treatment options may require restoring bone in the jaw. This may involve bone grafting, guided bone regeneration (GBG), or synthetic alloplastic grafts. These more invasive treatments for Peri-Implantitis would be appropriate for patients with jaw trauma due to bone loss and to ensure the dental implant has adequate placement to increase stability.

What To Do If You Think You Have Peri-Implantitis

Delaying treatment could lead to unnecessary bone loss and total implant failure. If you have identified some of the signs of Peri-Implantitis, here are a few recommendations:

Don’t ignore the relevant symptoms, like bleeding and swelling around an implant
Seek a periodontal consultation to get properly diagnosed
Prepare for diagnostic activity to determine the extent of infection or bone loss (x-rays, probing, some discomfort, cleaning, etc.)
Treatment may include extensive cleaning, ultrasonic laser treatment, bone grafts, and more

Consult a periodontist to determine the best care plan for your needs.

Tips For Preventing Peri-Implantitis

Good dental hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.) is the best defense against infection, plaque buildup, and the early signs of Peri-Implantitis. Other tips for preventing this condition include:

Avoid smoking
Attend regular cleaning appointments
Ensure diabetes is medically managed
Use implant-specific hygiene tools
Work with a provider who understands proper dental implant installation and care

Choose Premium Dental Implants In Cedar Park

An expert periodontist can help you choose the right dental implant for your mouth and your dental care goals. They can also provide personalized dental hygiene instructions. Central Texas Periodontics can offer a comprehensive treatment plan for a confident smile that fits your needs. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

[1]Heitz-Mayfield, L. J. A. (2024, May). Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis: Key features and differences. British Dental Journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11126371/#Sec2

[2]Prathapachandran, J., & Suresh, N. (2012, September). Management of peri-implantitis. Dental research journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3612185/#sec1-2

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