How an Implant Dentist Can Treat Peri-Implantitis

How an Implant Dentist Can Treat Peri-Implantitis from Texas Star Smiles & FastBraces in Killeen, TXPeri-implantitis is a painful condition that affects the dental implant site. If left untreated, the consequences are irreversible, so it is important to maintain a checkup schedule with an implant dentist. However, an implant dentist can save your implants, gum tissue, and jawbone without much hassle if caught in its early stages. This article will review everything to know about peri-implantitis and how our implant dentist can treat it.

Understanding the Implant Dentist’s Treatment Options for Peri-Implantitis

What is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the dental implant’s soft tissue and can lead to failure. There are three stages of this peri-implantitis:

Early stage

This stage is often called peri-implant mucositis. In this stage, the gums around the implant become inflamed, leading to bleeding and swelling. Minimal to no pain may be associated with this stage and reversible with oral hygiene improvements and antibiotics.

Progressive stage

In this stage, the inflammation has progressed, but there is no attachment loss. However, the patient may experience pain and see bone loss around the implant.

Advanced stage

In this stage, there is severe inflammation in the gums and bone, severe pain, puss around the implant site, significant bone loss, and a loose implant. The result of this stage is implant failure.

Peri-implantitis can be a result of numerous factors, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Bacteria and plaque build-up
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition that lacks vitamins
  • Diabetes
  • Poorly fitted or placed implants or restorations

Some factors are more common than others, and if caught early enough, peri-implantitis is reversible with certain treatments.

Treatments for Peri-Implantitis

There are three treatment options an implant dentist will use for peri-implantitis: mechanical debridement, chlorhexidine mouthwashes, or implant removal with the help of antibiotics to clear away stubborn infections.

For the early stages of peri-implantitis, the implant dentist will likely recommend a mechanical debridement and educate the patient on better oral hygiene habits. Mechanical debridement, sometimes called root scaling and planing, is done under local anesthesia using a handpiece with a diamond bur to remove plaque, calculus, and bacteria causing inflammation from around the implant and the bone surface.

The implant dentist may prescribe a chlorhexidine mouthwash as part of the treatment plan for any stage. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and antibacterial agent that cleans wounds and can help prevent the spread of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

The implant dentist removes the implant and cleans the site if the patient is in the final (advanced) stage of peri-implantitis. This process will allow the patient’s body to heal before reattempting to place a new implant. Though healing times vary, the healing process can take up to six months.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Killeen, TX

Seek prompt care today

Peri-implantitis is a serious condition that can become irreversible if not treated promptly. Patients experiencing peri-implantitis need to see an implant dentist at least every six months to prevent any problems that could affect their implants. If you are experiencing signs of peri-implantitis, contact us today. Our team will schedule the first available appointment with our implant dentist to save your implants.

Request an appointment or call Texas Star Smiles & FastBraces at 254-237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.

Recent Posts

Who Is A Good Candidate For An Implant Dentist

If you are missing one or more teeth, visiting an implant dentist is a good first step toward restoring your smile. Dental implants are an exciting, new, and versatile way to replace teeth and get people back to smiling confidently and enjoying the foods they love. However, dental implants may not be for everyone. Therefore,…

How To Choose The Right Implant Dentist For Your Needs

If you are missing teeth or unhappy with the fit or look of your dentures, an implant dentist may be the solution. However, choosing the right dentist is crucial to ensuring a successful and comfortable outcome. With so many dentists offering implant services, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This post will…

An Implant Dentists Tips On How To Care For Dental Implants

Congratulations on your new dental implants. They are an effective investment in your oral health and smile appearance. However, taking care of them properly and maintaining a schedule with the implant dentist is crucial to ensure your implants' long-term success and longevity. This article includes tips on how to care for and maintain your new…

Recent Posts

Who Is A Good Candidate For An Implant Dentist

Who Is A Good Candidate For An Implant Dentist

If you are missing one or more teeth, visiting an implant dentist is a good first step toward restoring your smile. Dental implants are an exciting, new, and versatile way to replace teeth and get people back to smiling confidently and enjoying the foods they love. However, dental implants may not be for everyone. Therefore,…

Tips For Finding A Good Invisalign Dentist

Tips For Finding A Good Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as braces. Many patients find them easier to handle, less painful, less time-consuming, and less embarrassing than having a mouth full of metal. The trick is finding the right dentist who can provide you with optimal clear alignment treatment.To understand what…