Infected Dental Implants
Dental implant infection, called peri-implantitis, is a pathology of the oral cavity, triggered by the same pathogens that cause periodontitis as well as one of the main causes of implant loss over time. If the infection is diagnosed early, it is possible to intervene without resorting to surgery to save the implant. What is it, what are the causes that trigger it, what are the consequences that peri-implantitis brings with it and how is it possible to intervene to save the implant?
Peri-implantitis vs periodontitis
Periodontitis
Peri-implantitis is most often caused by the same infectious agents, or bacteria, that cause periodontitis. To understand this, it is necessary to first examine and give some hints about periodontitis: it is an extremely subtle pathological condition because it manifests itself with a slow onset, affecting the tissues that make up the periodontium and the gums. Its evolution includes inflammation, swelling, and redness of the gum, natural consequences resulting from the loss of bone on the surrounding tissue; in addition to this, gum bleeding often occurs even during very simple and banal habits, such as brushing your teeth.
If diagnosed promptly, periodontitis can be treated, thanks to targeted therapy, in order to re-establish the gum and bone present in the dental arch. Paradenitis, if neglected for a long time, can lead to the loss of all teeth.
Peri-implantitis
Similarly, peri-implantitis is essentially an infection of the dental implant, a sort of chronic process that is very slow and equally subtle to periodontitis. Also in this case, a timely diagnosis allows you to act quickly and efficiently, so as to try to save the system before it is too late. Furthermore, it is equally important not to confuse the loss of the dental implant due to peri-implantitis with that which could happen in the weeks or months following the installation of the aforementioned implant: the latter, in fact, could occur due to causes of a diametrically opposite nature compared to to peri-implantitis, which represents a succession of moderate clinical worsening. However, peri-implantitis is not the only factor that affects a possible infection of the dental implant: what are other causes behind the onset of the most frequent infections?
The causes of dental implant infection
Genetics could play a very important role in the future onset of dental implant infections; in addition to this, there could be a lack of the point of contact between the implant and the gum, a housing that could host food residues that can easily infiltrate into it and are capable of making the environment fertile for the proliferation of bacteria. Furthermore, the bacterial component could also receive a nice boost from the presence of cement under the gum.
Peri-implantitis: Symptoms
One of the very first warning signs, as mentioned, is bleeding gums, accompanied by swelling, excessive salivation, and a particular metallic taste constantly present in the mouth. Mobility of the dental implant can also be a sign of the presence of an infection. Peri-implantitis, just like periodontitis, is capable of causing the bone tissue surrounding the implant to be reabsorbed, albeit in a very slow and sly manner: this, however, is one of the main causes that leads to the total loss of the prosthesis.
In Conclusion
It is important to contact us immediately if you experience the above symptoms. In this way, we will be able to immediately carry out some in-depth examinations aimed at evaluating the situation and health of the implant, such as periodontal surveys, instrumental clinical examinations, or x-rays, after which we will be able to decide the best strategy to implement to try to save the plant. Contact us today!
