Peri-implantitis is rare. It is even more unsual for it to occur around a dental implant that you’ve had for years, but it can happen. Usually, an infection around an implant occurs within the first few months of placement, but not every infection is caused by peri-implantitis. What should you do if you think your implant is in danger of failing?
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is a rare infectious disease that causes bone loss and infection around a dental implant. Many specialists agree that dental implant complications are often prematurely diagnosed—or misdiagnosed—as peri-implantitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis
Some of the signs and symptoms of peri-implantitis are listed below. If you are experiencing some of them, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have peri-implantitis; the disease is rare. Most often, swelling and infection around a dental implant are caused, not by an infectious disease, but by poor planning, improper placement, cheap fixtures, or implant mistakes.
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gum tissue
- Bone loss around the implant
- Pus around the implant
- Loose implant fixture
- Pain
Risk Factors
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are several risk factors:
- Smoking
- Plaque accumulation
- Diabetes
- A history of periodontal (gum disease)
Why Get Prompt Treatment?
It’s important to have a highly skilled implant dentist take a look at the implant site. You’ll need an examination for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If the disease is left unchecked, there are several risks:
- The infection can worsen.
- Your jawbone can become infected or begin to dissolve.
- The implant can completely loosen and need to be replaced.
We recommend that you promptly schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist or periodontist (specialist in gum disease and dental implants). The sooner you act, the less time and money it will cost to correct the issue.
This post is sponsored by East Cobb dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.