Peri-implantitis can develop during the healing process after the insertion of a dental implant. Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the implant site. If left untreated, it can lead to osteolysis, i.e. bone loss below the implant. There is also a risk of implant rejection.
Below you will find further information and selected peri-implantitis specialists.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone following the loss of a natural tooth. They are firmly anchored in the jaw and serve as the basis for an artificial tooth that is fixed in place later.
Dental implants have several advantages:
However, another form of inflammation is possible: inflammation of the implant site (technically known as peri-implantitis). The frequency of this inflammation is controversial.
Peri-implantitis is a risk factor for
Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important to counteract the threat of implant loss.
Peri-implantitis can cause bone loss in the implant area © Alex Mit | AdobeStock
In many cases, peri-implantitis is preceded by peri-implant oral mucositis. This is initially an inflammation of the mucous membrane with symptoms such as
These symptoms are sometimes accompanied by pain in the implant area.
The transition to peri-implantitis is fluid. The inflammation gradually spreads from the mucous membranes to the jawbone. This process can be accompanied by bone pain in the jaw.
The gums around the implant recede, which can result in the implant loosening.
Other symptoms include
Peri-implantitis occurs during healing after the insertion of a dental implant. It is caused by a combination of different bacteria.
They settle at the junction between the gums and the implant neck. In the course of granulation, the formation of young connective tissue around the implant, this tissue becomes inflamed. If the inflammation spreads to the bone, this is known as peri-implantitis.
Poor oral hygiene and the consumption of nicotine promote plaque formation and thus the inflammatory process.
Other risk factors are:
Other possible causes of the inflammatory disease are related to the implant itself:
Peri-implantitis is not necessarily accompanied by pain. This is why doctors often diagnose it during a follow-up check. It can already be detected by a superficial examination.
Another indication is the fluttering of the gums and associated slight bleeding when blowing on them with an air pusher.
Doctors cannot see with the naked eye whether the bone is already affected. To find out, experts use special periodontal probes. X-rays help to differentiate peri-implantitis from mucositis.
Peri-implantitis can also be caused by treatment errors during implant placement. Choosing an experienced implantology specialist minimizes this risk. Careful sealing of the interior of the implant following the procedure prevents the penetration of bacteria.
In the mucositis stage, it is important to prevent the inflammation from spreading to the bone. This is possible through mechanical cleaning of the implant surface (debridement).
After the outbreak of peri-implantitis, the chances of successful treatment vary depending on the severity of the disease.
The treating dentist first removes the inflamed tissue and performs a thorough cleaning.
Possible cleaning procedures are
Doctors then try to preserve the implant by means of bone augmentation and mucosal grafting.
However, these procedures are not yet effective. The last resort is therefore often explantation, i.e. the removal of the implant.
The treatment of peri-implantitis is not yet covered by statutory health insurance.
Privately insured patients can expect reimbursement of costs for the aftercare and treatment of dental implants and also in the event of complications. This also applies to patients with supplementary dental insurance.
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