3 Things You Should Know About Peri-implantitis
July 20, 2017
When you lose one or more teeth due to an accident, tooth decay, periodontal disease or other issues, you might have chosen to get a dental implant due to the numerous benefits. Although the vast majority of implants occur without any major adverse events, there are occasionally issues such as peri-implantitis. That is why periodontist, Dr. Curry Leavitt at Red Rock Periodontics & Implantology recommends regular visits with a periodontist in Las Vegas, NV, after an implant.
What Is It?
A dental implant is a great way to replace missing teeth, but it is a surgery. As such, there is a chance of getting an infection or other complications. Although minor inflammation is a part of healing, any major inflammation due to infection on the site is known as peri-implantitis. This infection does not just impact the gums; it also affects the bone. There is a higher risk of developing it if you have periodontitis, systemic diseases such as diabetes or osteoporosis, poor oral hygiene, smoking, drug abuse, or other factors.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of this inflammatory condition include:
- Bleeding of the gums
- Red or bluish gums
- Build up of plaque or tartar
- Exposure of the metal thread of the implant
- Pus from the implant site or the gums
- Deepening of the gums
- Bone loss
Some patients might never have any overt symptoms, and the condition is typically painless. To confirm a patient suffers from this condition, a periodontist, will perform a visual examination and x-rays. There might be further tests run to confirm the diagnosis.
Get Treated Today
For most cases of peri-implantitis, the treatment is surgery alongside antibiotics. It is also essential to undergo professional cleaning to remove any potentially pathogenic bacteria. Due to the bone loss, it is also common to undergo bone grafting, as well as a removal and re-insertion of the implant. Contact us at our office in Las Vegas, NV, conveniently located near Summerlin, NV and Spring Valley, NV, to find out more about this condition and schedule a consultation to examine your oral health.