What is Peri-Implant Mucositis?
Peri-implant mucositis is early stage gum disease around already placed dental implants. This is Inflammation presenting as swelling, soreness and or infection of the tissues surrounding the implant.
There are two main forms of Peri-implant gum disease: Mucositis and Peri-implantitis.
Mucositis
This is inflammation in the surrounding soft tissues of single or multiple dental implants, which is still localised and hasn’t yet caused bone loss.
After assessment and diagnosis by Dr Young a suitable cleaning regime at home and with our Hygenist Jill, we can usually make this condition reversible. We are still able to treat this even if the implants were fitted elsewhere.
Left untreated this condition progresses into peri-implantitis, which can lead to loss of implants.
Mucositis is caused by numerous factors:
- Ineffective cleaning leaving behind bacteria and plaque
- Incorrectly fitted dental implants making effective oral hygiene impossible
- Smoking
- Gum disease activity before dental implants
- Mechanical failure of implant components
- Irritation caused by oral cements
Symptoms
- Red swollen gums around dental implants
- Bleeding on brushing
- Bad breath
- A bad taste inside the mouth
A simple and easy assessment by Dr Young can identify a cause for all of the above. Mucositis isn’t the end of your implants, it’s treatable. So if you do have concerns, or would just like any existing dental implant work assessed, Dr Young and his team are here to help.