Peri-implantitis Treatments

Peri-implantitis is a condition that occurs when bone is lost around a dental implant. Inflammation in the soft tissues around the implant can lead to inflammation and eventual loss of the bone surrounding it. Patients are frequently unaware that there is anything wrong until it is fairly advanced, as there is little pain associated with the condition.

Risk factors

Smokers are at higher risk of the disease than non-smokers. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes increase the risk and people with compromised immune systems are also more likely to suffer from the condition. Persistent grinding of the teeth can also cause bone loss around dental implants.

People who have previously had gum disease are at higher risk, and good dental hygiene is very important to help prevent development of the condition.

Surgical factors that can increase the risk of bone loss around a dental implant include implants that are too large, lack of tightness in the implant, overheated bone or soft bone.

Symptoms of peri-implantitis

The gums may appear red, or they may bleed. The gum pockets may deepen. Pus can sometimes come from the gums or implants and this can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Metal threads can be exposed and the loss of bone can be seen on X-rays.

Patients can experience tenderness or a dull ache around the area of bone loss, and in very severe cases, the neck glands can swell and the implants may become loose.

Peri-implantitis Treatments

Fortunately, peri-implantitis treatments can be carried out by experienced specialists in oral surgery. The aim of treatment is to halt the bone loss and maintain the implants, and this can be a complicated procedure.

In addition to carrying out implants and undertaking other oral surgery, Peter Young is able to offer reparative treatment to patients who have lost bone around a dental implant that was carried out elsewhere.