Peri Implantitis in Charlotte, NC

One of the most popular options for replacing lost or extracted teeth is through dental implants. While dental implants have a high success rate, they do require some basic dental maintenance and oral hygiene. Dental implants can become infected without the proper care, just like your naturally growing teeth and gums. This condition is known as Peri Implantitis, and without prompt clinical intervention, it can result in the implants becoming loose and falling out.

At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants, we have the experience required to identify the early signs of Peri Implantitis. Our treatments can help save your implants and restore you to full dental health.

What is Peri Implantitis?

Peri Implantitis is a destructive disease that is similar in many ways to periodontal disease. It can cause the degradation of gum tissue and underlying bone structures around the dental implant site. When left untreated, Peri Implantitis can cause the dental implants to fail, requiring surgical replacement.

Remember that dental implants are made from inert materials, which means they are not subject to decay like your natural teeth are. However, implants are always surrounded by living tissue, and that tissue can become inflamed. When this happens, the gums shrink, the bone deteriorates, and the implants can become too loose to function properly.

Do I Have Peri Implantitis?

There are several common signs and symptoms that may suggest you have Peri Implantitis. Keep your eyes open for any of the following:

If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend making an appointment for a consultation to assess your condition further. When treating Peri Implantitis, early intervention is crucial for saving your implants and preventing further complications down the road.

What Causes Peri Implantitis?

Peri Implantitis is caused when bacteria build up beneath the gums, close to the dental implant.

This can happen because there is something wrong with the implant itself. For example, if the implant does not fit snugly or the replacement tooth is loose, it creates an opening for bacterial buildup. Bacteria can find their way into even the smallest gaps and openings.

Peri Implantitis may also be caused by poor oral hygiene. If you are not consistent with brushing and flossing, you may see a buildup of plaque around the base of your dental implant, which can lead to disease.

Failure to have regular dental cleanings is another factor. A dental hygienist has scaling tools that keep your teeth tartar- and plaque-free in ways that brushing and flossing alone cannot. Missing too many dental appointments may put you at higher risk for Peri Implantitis.

How is Peri Implantitis Treated?

If you believe that you have Peri Implantitis, seek treatment right away. If we identify the disease before it advances too far, we may be able to save the implants and avoid the need for a second implant surgery.

Treating Peri Implantitis requires that the implants and area around them be deep-cleaned. This deep cleaning is often done via laser therapy which helps sterilize the tissue, get rid of the infection, and preserve the implant. Your doctor may also use topical antibiotics or antiseptic solutions to combat the infection.

For more extreme or advanced cases of Peri Implantitis, it may also be necessary to repair or regenerate bone tissue or gum tissue. Dr. Ficca will recommend treatments such as guided bone regeneration, tissue generation, or bone grafting in these instances. These treatments ultimately help hold the implant in place.

How Do I Prevent Peri Implantitis?

If you have dental implants, make sure you regularly brush, floss, and see your dentist. Also, be attentive to any of the common signs and symptoms of Peri Implantitis.

If you have already been diagnosed and treated for Peri Implantitis, it puts you in a higher risk category for the disease to recur. Make sure you talk with your dentist about special steps you can use to keep your implants plaque-free, such as using an electric toothbrush.

Get the Treatment You Need for Dental Implant Disease

Patients who get dental implants must be alert to the possibility of Peri Implantitis. If you believe you have this condition, seek a consultation with Dr. Ficca at Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants as quickly as possible. We are here to provide the clinical interventions necessary to preserve the health of your implants. Contact us in Charlotte, NC, to schedule an appointment at (704) 544-2224.