If you have missing teeth, you may be weighing options that will get you closer to your dream of restoring that million-dollar smile. 

In this search, dental implants may be a solution that has piqued your interest. If so, you’re on the right track.

Dental implants aren’t just another quick-fix solution to replacing your missing teeth. They are a long-term investment that promises reliability and durability. 

However, as with any great investment, there may be certain hiccups along the way. Enter peri-implantitis, one of the most common problems linked to dental implants. 

Worried? Totally understandable. After all, dental implants aren’t just a significant investment. They are also a part of your beautiful smile – a part of you that you want to protect at all costs for as long as possible. 

Naturally, the last thing you’d want is for complications to arise after solving the problem of missing teeth. 

Fear not, for knowledge is power. Our team at Brisbane Implants is ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of peri-implantitis to arm you with all the facts you need to know. From symptoms to causes and treatments, we’ve got your back because your smile is our pride and joy. 

What is Peri-Implantitis? 

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition in which the soft tissue around your dental implant can become infected and begin to break down. Left untreated, this condition can progress, destroying the bone surrounding the implant and eventually causing implant failure. 

This condition can occur in two stages: peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. 

The early stage is peri-implant mucositis, an inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the dental implant. The silver lining here is this condition is reversible with a little TLC from our Brisbane Implants Team. 

Stage two is peri-implantitis. When the peri-implant condition reaches this stage, it’s not just about soft tissue inflammation anymore. It can also affect the bone supporting the implant, contributing to bone loss and ultimately implant failure. 

And let’s be real, nobody wants that but don’t panic yet. Armed with the correct knowledge and preventative care, you’ll be able to keep your smile healthy and happy, as it should be. 

What are the Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis? 

Spotting the symptoms of peri-implantitis is the key to saving your smile. So, here are a few symptoms to look out for:

• Swollen or red gums around the dental implant.

• Bleeding upon probing.

• Pain or tenderness in the gums surrounding the implant. 

• Movement of the dental implant (a loose implant).

• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.

• Bone loss. 

• Discharge of pus from around the implant. 

Spotting these symptoms at their onset and getting the necessary care can save you from a world of pain and trouble down the road. Let’s stay proactive and keep that smile shining bright. 

What are the Causes of Peri-Implantitis? 

• Poor oral hygiene 

• A history of periodontal (gum) disease 

• Smoking or tobacco use 

• Bruxism (teeth grinding) 

• Poor implant placement (improper placement of placement of implants in areas with insufficient bone density)

• Poorly fitted dental restorations like crowns 

• Skipping follow-up appointments and regular dental check-ups

How to Treat Peri-Implantitis? 

Worried about your dental implant? 

First things first - don’t procrastinate when scheduling those dental appointments. Pushing it back will be your implant’s biggest enemy, as delays in treatment will only give peri-implantitis the green flag to cause more trouble. 

Now, about treatment? We offer several options, from non-surgical to surgical treatments, all tailored to fit your unique situation. 

Non-Surgical Treatment 

Mechanical Debridement 

Treatment involves professional removal of plaque and tartar from the implant surface and the tissue surrounding it. Think of it as a deep clean for your implant. 

This solution is often combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as antimicrobial therapy, to kill bacteria and control the infection effectively.  

Antiseptic Treatment 

Antiseptic treatment is often used alongside mechanical debridement, where you will be given a daily rinse that should last for three to four weeks. This daily rinse will improve the mucosal condition and send bacteria packing. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a commonly used antimicrobial rinse for treating peri-implantitis.

Antibiotic Treatment 

We will try to eliminate the pathogens in the biofilm with antibiotic treatment. And during the final days of treatment, we will use an antibiotic targeting gram-negative anaerobic bacteria (bacteria resistant to most available antibiotics) to address the infection effectively. 

Surgical Treatment 

If peri-implantitis doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. However, surgical options can be considered only once the infection is under control. Treatment may include bone grafting or re-shaping of the peri-implant soft tissue. 

Galvosurge Dental Implant Cleaning 

At Brisbane Implants, we use the Galvosurge device, an innovative dental implant cleaning system designed to treat peri-implantitis. This advanced tool uses electrolysis to effectively remove bacterial biofilm (a sticky, colourless film made up of food and bacteria) from the implant surface in just two minutes leaving your implant clean and ready for re-osseointegration without causing any harm to the implant surface. 

The best part? It’s less invasive than traditional surgical treatment, minimising discomfort and reducing recovery time. 

Preventing Peri-Implantitis 

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. It’s especially true when it comes to dental problems like peri-implantitis. 

Maintaining proper oral hygiene can help you secure your defences against peri-implantitis. That way, you won’t have to undergo severe pain, costly treatment or spend a large amount of your time in our dental clinic undergoing treatment. 

Here’s how you can prevent peri-implantitis in the first place: 

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Twice daily is the name of the brushing game. And for the hard-to-reach spots? Floss daily to clean those nooks and crannies and reduce bacterial buildup around your dental implant. For effective cleaning, you can also use an interdental brush. 

• Use a water flosser like Hydropik in your daily oral hygiene routine for effective plaque removal. It is an oral irrigator that uses pressurised water to clean between teeth and around implants, reaching areas where your toothbrush and traditional floss might miss.  

• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups are your ticket to early detection of peri-implantitis symptoms. We can catch early signs of inflammation or bone loss and nip them in the bud before they even have a chance of progressing. 

• Avoid smoking: When you smoke, you might as well be rolling out the welcome mat for peri-implantitis. Cut back or quit smoking altogether to protect your dental implant and improve your oral health. 

• Take post-implant care seriously: Our team will provide after-care instructions for a pain-free smile once you get your implants. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to keep complications at bay. 

 

Worried about your smile? You can count on our team at Brisbane Implants for all your implant needs because we take your smile seriously. From implant placement to peri-implantitis prevention, we’ve got your back every step of the way. 

But hey, it’s also a team effort. 

While we pave the way for implant success with high-quality implant materials, tailored treatments, and top-notch post-operative care, you should stay on top of your dental game and follow our aftercare tips. Together, we’ll be able to prevent peri-implantitis from dulling your smile.  

Want to know about our treatments and procedures? Contact us or schedule an appointment today! 

We’re here to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.