Peri-implantitis: The silent enemy of dental implants

A dental implant is a great, long-term solution to tooth loss but just like natural teeth, implants need care. Od of the biggest risks to implants is peri-iplantitis - an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around the implant.

Without timely intervention, it can lead to implant loss. Fortunately, peri-implantitis can be detected early and treated effectively.

What is peri-implantitis?

Peří-implatitis is a chronic inflammation of the soft and hard tissues around the dental implant. It affects both the gums and the jawbone in which the implant is anchored. This inflammation causes a gradual loss of bone around the implant - implant - similar to periodontitis in your own teeth.

The most common causes are:

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Smoking

  • Poorly fitted dentures or crowns

  • Overloading the implant for a long time

  • Susceptibility to inflammation (for example in diabetics)

How do you know if something is wrong?

Periimplantitis goes on for a long time without pain, which makes it insidious. Warning signs include:

  • Bleeding gums around the implant

  • Swelling or rednes of the gums

  • Unpleasant bad breath

  • Sensitivity or pressure when biting

  • Receding gums or exposed implant threads

  • Looseness of the implant (advanced stage)

Pokud si všimnete některého z těchto signálů, neodkládejte návštěvu zubního lékaře.

How does the treatment work?

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. The earliest it is caught, the better the chances of saving the implant.

  1. Professional cleaning and decontamination of the implant
    Using ultrasound, special tools and antibacterial gels, inflammatory deposits are removed.

  2. Antibiotic treatment
    Local or total - depending on the extenzi of inflammation.

  3. Surgical treatment
    In advanced cases, it is necessary to surgically clean the site of inflammation, add bone or perform gingival surgery.

  4. Adjusting prosthetic work
    If the inflammation is caused by an improperly fitted crown, it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Prevention is the key

The good news is that peri-implantitis is very preventable. Just follow a few guidelines.

  • Careful daily hygiene (even between the teeth!)

  • Regular check-ups with the dentist

  • Dental hygiene every 3-6 months

  • No smoking

  • Respect instructions after implant placement

Conclusion

An implant can last for decades - if given the right care. Peri-implantitis is not a reason to panic, but to act quickly. Our ordination is experienced in the modern treatment and prevention of this disease.

Come in for a check-up or dental hygiene - early diagnosis is the key to keeping your smile healthy and strong.