What Exactly Is Peri-implantitis And What Can Be Done About It?
Before you undergo surgery for dental implants in Richmond you’ll probably have done your homework and got all your questions and concerns answered. One concern you may have could be the long term risks involved. There are in fact many factors that can affect the long term outcome of your dental implants and one of these is peri-implantitis. So what exactly is it?
In essence peri-implantitis is an infectious problem that causes the inflammation of the gum and bone of an already integrated dental implant. This eventually leads to the loss of the supporting bone and a loose and failed implant. The issue is that in the early stages you probably won’t know it’s happening and typically patients will feel no pain, but there are a few clues that something may be wrong. These include –
- Deepening of the gum pockets
- Gum line bleeding
- Gum is discoloured (normally red or purplish/blue colour)
- Plaque/tartar build up around the implant
- Pus appearing from the gum and implant area
- Exposure of the metal thread
So what causes it?
There are thought to be several risk factors involved including smoking. This can cause constriction of the blood vessels which may lead to bone loss. Medical issues such as osteoporosis, uncontrollable diabetes and a generally poor immune system can also be deciding factors. If you’ve suffered from gum disease in the past you could also be at risk. Finally surgical factors including lack of tightness when the dental implant was placed, soft bone placement, bone grafts that have been placed vertically, wrong implant size, overheated bone and many more can also be contributing factors towards peri-implantitis.
So what can be done?
Usually if a dental implant in Richmond suffers from peri-implantitis then firstly the implant needs to be removed. The area then needs to be thoroughly cleaned using dental equipment. Often a course of antibiotics are prescribed to help fight the infection. Before a new implant can be attached a bone graft will normally have to be done to replace the missing bone. This means the gum will have to be opened up again and detoxified. When the area is bacteria free the fresh bone graft can occur. Waiting time is then needed to see if the bone ‘takes’. If and when successful, the new implant can then be fitted.
As you can see it really is quite a long process. That said, there is no evidence to suggest that the same thing will happen again, as long as the patient is in good health and they don’t smoke. One way to make sure that peri-implantitis doesn’t occur in the first place (as long as you’re healthy) is to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene. This means brushing at least twice a day, daily flossing and use of a good quality antiseptic mouthwash – that’s every day for the rest of your life!
If you want to know more about dental implants in Richmond and how they can change your life then visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk where you can find a ton of information. Alternatively, why not speak to Sheen Dental in person and book yourself a free, no-obligation consultation on 020 8876 5277 today.