Understanding Peri-Implant Disease and How to Prevent It

Dental implants can be sustained over a long period of time, but this is only possible if you are serious about the care that you provide to your teeth. And, this care includes measures to prevent ailments and complications such as peri-implant disease. Find out more about this term, what it refers to, and how the issue can be avoided altogether. 

What Is Peri-Implant Disease?

Peri-implant disease is a term used by dentists to describe an inflammatory disease involving the tissues around the dental implant. The disease may either be peri-implantitis or peri-implant mucositis. And, both of these diseases can lead to a failure of the dental implant. Peri-implant mucositis is an ailment that involves the swelling, infection, and inflammation of the soft gingiva tissues around the implant. The ailment is similar to gingivitis and it often does not involve a bone loss issue. However, without care, the issue can progress and lead to a more advanced infection called peri-implantitis. 

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that involves the mucosal tissues around the implant and it is usually caused by the formation of plaque on the implant tooth. The issue forms when the peri-mucositis condition is not addressed for several months. The issue does cause some bone loss and is similar to periodontitis. 

How Is Peri-Implant Disease Prevented?

Peri-implant disease is most common in individuals who have previously suffered from gingivitis or periodontal disease. For this reason, it is extremely important to have gum issues treated and resolved before an implant is secured. After the implant is placed, good gum and implant health depends on your cleaning regimen. This helps to control plaque and bacteria that lead to the peri-implant disease.

Make sure to ask your dentist about the best cleaning regimen for your implant and stick to it. This means not only brushing and flossing but using rinses and inspecting the implant often. 

When it comes to inspection, you want to let your dentist know about any signs of redness around the gum tissues. This may indicate the development of plaque or a biofilm on the implant tooth that requires professional cleaning and scaling. At the time of the cleaning, your dentist may also probe the gums to identify any gum pockets or problem areas where the gums are pulling away from the teeth. The probe also provides some information about gum strength and thickness. 

If you want to know more about dental implants, speak with your dentist. 


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