Peri-implantitis – When implants get gum disease
Gum Disease can also occur around dental implants. This can occur for a number of reasons such as inadequate hygiene is the primary culprit. Though implants are made out of titanium, the bone and gum tissue holding the implant in place is still susceptible to the same diseases that teeth are susceptible to.
As with teeth, periodontal disease goes through the same stages of breakdown. There is the initial buildup of bacteria and calculus, which leads to an inflammatory response from your body. As the inflammation persists, the bone around the implant starts to break down.
Treatment of periodontal disease can be done in a number of way depending on the severity or cause of the disease. It is important to understand the WHY before we treat the disease process. Sometimes it is that the patient has not been spendig the time to clean around as they are supposed to. Other times, it is because the implant is placed in a sub-optimal position, requiring reinforcement of the tissue around the implant.
Unfortunately sometimes, there is too much destruction, and the implant may have to be removed.
