January 29, 2022
Peri implant mucositis is a very common problem observed with dental implants. Dental implants are put in place where the roots of the teeth are missing. The crown is then attached to the implant to compensate for missing natural teeth. Implant patients need to maintain the same level of dental hygiene with their artificial teeth as with natural teeth. The soft tissues or gums around the implant can become infected and inflamed if proper care is not taken. This lesion is known as peri-implant mucositis. If the infection persists then it damages the bone structure around the implant. This is known as peri implantitis and is one of the main reasons for implant failure.
Peri implant mucositis symptoms
The symptoms produced by peri implant mucositis is similar to the gum disease observed with natural teeth and roots.
• The most common symptom is redness and tenderness in the area around the implant.
• There may be bleeding while brushing your teeth.
• Gum recession may also be observed.
• There might be slight sensitivity in some cases, but pain is rare.
• Pus and discharge may occur if the initial infection is not treated.
Causes
• The main cause for peri implant mucositis or implant mucositis is poor dental hygiene. Failure to brush teeth and flossing properly leads to build-up of plaque which eventually causes inflammation.
• In some cases, use of excess cement for attaching the crown to the implant can become a cause for inflammation. This is one of the reasons why titanium screws or more bio-compatible materials are now preferred for abutment.
• Sometimes the design of the implant may become a reason for peri implant mucositis as it may encourage plaque build-up.
• Smoking is also a contributing factor in implant gingivitis.
• Another contributing factor is uncontrolled diabetes.
Treatment for this soft tissue infalmmation around the dental implant
You should get a dentist’s appointment if you notice any kind of redness in the gums near the dental implant. Early intervention is needed to stop it from spreading to the bone. It is important to remember that once peri implant mucositis advances to the bone, it becomes difficult to treat and may require surgery. Therefore, it is essential to visit a dentist for early detection and timely treatment. The dentist will do a professional cleaning as well as prescribe antibiotics, if necessary, to control the inflammation.
Some studies have shown that taking the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri improves the clinical parameters of peri-implant mucositis along with mechanical debridement. It works by improving the good flora in the mouth which reduces both plaque and bleeding from the gums.
Even after mucositis is cured, the success of the treatment still depends on whether the patient follows good oral hygiene practices. Symptoms can return if necessary care is not taken.
Prevention
Implants become necessary after tooth loss to ensure proper chewing and they need to be cared for. Peri implant mucositis can easily be treated in the beginning stage. However, once it reaches the bone structure surgery remains the only option. Therefore, it is better to take proper preventive measures right from the start.
• The most important prevention method is maintaining good dental hygiene to prevent build-up of plaque.
• Regular follow up appointments with the dentist are necessary after a dental implant.
• Make sure that your diabetes is well-controlled.
• Smoking also disturbs oral health and should be avoided.