Peri-Implantitis Treatment

What is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a serious condition that occurs when there is infection and inflammation in the soft and hard tissues around the dental implant, namely the gums and jawbone. This disease can negatively affect the success of the implant and, if left untreated, can lead to the loss of the implant. It usually develops in a similar way to gum disease; inflammation destroys the surrounding tissues and causes bone loss. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, the progression of peri-implantitis can be stopped and the implant can be preserved.

Peri-Implantitis Causes

1. Inadequate Oral Hygiene
   Bacterial plaques that are not adequately cleaned around the dental implant may cause peri-implantitis. Failure to pay attention to oral hygiene increases the risk of infection.
2. History of Gum Disease
   The risk of peri-implantitis increases in individuals who have had gum disease in the past. The tissues around the implant are vulnerable to the risk of recurrence of these diseases.
3. Smoking
   The risk of peri-implantitis increases significantly in individuals who smoke. Smoking negatively affects the healing process, making it difficult for the tissues around the implant to heal.
4. Genetic Predisposition
   Individuals prone to periodontal disease are at higher risk of developing peri-implantitis. Genetic factors can negatively affect gum and bone health.

Periimplantitis Symptoms

The symptoms of peri-implantitis may be mild initially but become more noticeable as it progresses.

1. Gum Redness and Swelling
   Redness, swelling and tenderness may be observed in the gums around the implant. This is one of the first signs of inflammation.
2. Bleeding Gums
   Bleeding gums are a common symptom of peri-implantitis. Bleeding may be noticed during brushing or flossing.
3. Bad Breath
   A bad odor may occur in the mouth due to inflammation and infection.
4. Mobility of Dental Implants
   In advanced cases of peri-implantitis, the implant may loosen or move. This indicates that bone loss has reached serious levels. It requires implant removal.
5. Gum Recession and Bone Loss
   Peri-implantitis can cause gum recession and jaw bone loss. The root of the implant may be exposed.

Treatment Methods for Peri-Implantitis

Treatment methods for peri-implantitis are applied using different treatment protocols depending on the stage of disease progression.

1. Non-Surgical Treatment Methods
   If peri-implantitis is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be treated without the need for surgical intervention. These methods include cleaning tartar and plaque, antiseptic treatments and antibiotic applications. Curettage is performed to clean the inflamed tissues and bacterial plaques around the implant. The additions formed by bacteria and food residues accumulated on the implant surface are cleaned to reveal a clean implant surface. The aim is for healthy gum tissue to adhere to this surface.
2. Laser Therapy: Laser can be used to treat peri-implantitis by targeting infected tissues. This method allows for precise intervention in the area of ​​infection. Using laser power, inflamed gingival tissues and implant surface attachments are cleaned.
3. Surgical Interventions
   If peri-implantitis is advanced, surgical intervention becomes necessary. The gum around the implant is opened with a flap operation and the infected areas are cleaned. After cleaning, the gum tissue is placed back in place and stitched. If there is loss of jaw bone due to peri-implantitis, bone grafts can be applied to the cleaned areas. Bone grafts help regenerate the bone tissue supporting the implant.

Post-Treatment Recovery and Care

After peri-implantitis treatment, there are situations that need to be taken into consideration to accelerate the healing process and prevent the infection from recurring.

1. Regular Dentist Visits
   Regular dental check-ups should be performed to monitor the healing of the tissues around the implant and to prevent the recurrence of peri-implantitis.
2. Taking Care of Oral Hygiene
   It is important to brush and floss the areas around dental implants regularly. Additionally, special mouthwashes can be used to prevent bacterial plaque from forming around the implant. This is even more important for individuals with a history of gum disease.
3. Quitting Smoking
   Smoking is a factor that prevents implant healing and increases the risk of peri-implantitis. Quitting smoking has a positive effect on the treatment process.

Peri-implantitis can seriously threaten the health of the tissues around dental implants, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the longevity of the implant can be ensured. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment methods aim to stop the progression of peri-implantitis and restore the health of the dental implant.