"About 20% of patients with dental implants suffer from peri-implantitis. Are you one of them?"
Peri-implant infections are pathological conditions surrounding dental implants. Common symptoms include swollen gums and bleeding.
Identifying symptoms of peri-implantitis early may prevent the need for surgical treatment. If you are concerned about your dental implants, make an appointment with The Dental Boutique.
What is peri-implantitis?
Poor oral hygiene and low quality dental implants can lead to inflammation of the gums and bone structure around implants, known as peri-implantitis. Arising from bacteria which find their way into the cavity between the dental implant and abutment to which the implant is fixed, the inflammation can affect both the hard and soft tissue around the implant.
What are the symptoms of
peri-implantitis?
There are a few signs to look out for that might suggest you’re suffering from peri-implantitis. Some common symptoms include:
- Bad breath and/or a foul taste in the mouth
- Pus or bleeding in the mouth
- A loose implant
- Swollen gums
- Pain or fever
- Difficulty chewing
What causes peri-implantitis?
Failure to maintain high levels of oral hygiene can lead to the build-up of plaque around the teeth and gum tissue. This plaque can then cause bone loss and/or inflammation around the peri-implant soft tissue. Dental implants present a higher risk of inflammation compared to natural teeth, because they can’t attach as easily to the gums. This allows bacteria to enter the spaces, which can lead to peri-implantitis.
Some risk factors to be aware of include:
- Periodontitis
- Diabetes
- Poor plaque control (not brushing and flossing properly)
- Lack of maintenance (not visiting the dentist regularly)
- Genetics
- Systematic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis
What treatments are available for
peri-implantitis?
Depending on the severity of the individual patient’s condition, the chosen treatment can vary significantly. Patients may require one or a combination of the below treatments:
Mechanical debridement
Mechanical debridement is the professional removal of plaque and tartar. This alone is an inefficient treatment of peri-implantitis since it cannot remove all bacteria; it is most often used in conjunction with antiseptic, antibiotic or surgical treatments.
Antiseptic treatments
Used in conjunction with mechanical debridement, antiseptic treatments are generally applied regularly over a period of three to four weeks, in the form of a daily rinse or gel. This treatment also helps to limit plaque build-up but is not recommended for long-term use due to potential side-effects including teeth staining and altered taste sensation.
Antibiotic treatment
Antibiotic treatments target the bacteria build-up and are usually administered in the last ten days of an antiseptic treatment course, to treat the infection and prevent it from occurring again.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment can be considered once the infection has been successfully managed. It is used to restore and regenerate lost bone or to re-shape the peri-implant soft tissue.
Book an appointment at
The Dental Boutique
Before commencing peri-implantitis treatment, the experts at The Dental Boutique will conduct a comprehensive oral health assessment, during which we will assess the cause and extent of the condition. Following this initial consultation, we’ll develop a treatment plan that addresses both the inflammation and the root cause, to prevent a recurrence.
