Peri-Implantitis
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Implant Failure
Bone loss as a result of failed implant treatments is becoming more prevalent as more patients have been treated with dental implants over the years. Sometimes the cause of the implant problems is as a result of low cost and inadequate implants or implant components or inadequate post-operative maintenance.
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At Primrose Hill Dental we only use high quality implants and implant components.
We also ensure that our patients understand the commitment they need to make in maintaining their implants with regular hygiene and check-ups.
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Other contributing factors to Implant Failure
Imlpant Location
Implant failure is a little more common at the back of the mouth, where the biting forces are heavier and bone tends to be ‘softer’ and there may be less bone available.
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Bruxism
High biting forces from clenching or grinding teeth which can cause bone loss around implants
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Smoking
Someone who smokes may have poor bone quality and a poor healing capacity, and that can mean that an implant simply does not ‘take’
Diabetes
Diabetic patients can have slower healing rates, which can inhibit osseointegration
Systemic Factors
A patient who is not in the best state of health or has dental or gum problems near the implant, can be more prone to having problems with their implants
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Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is gum disease at the gums around an implant. Initially there may be soreness or bleeding from the gum. Treatment at this stage may prevent disease progression to bone loss which can end up with implant loss. Peri-implantitis can take years to develop, and progresses slowly, without any symptoms of pain.
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If inappropriate materials or techniques have been used, this may only become evident later on, which is why it is always best to ensure that you have the best possible implant treatment right from the outset.
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Peri-implantitis Treatment
The foundation of treating peri-implantitis is meticulous hygiene to slow down the progression of the condition.
This consists of meticulous debridement under the gum of the implant using ultrasonics.
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Augmentation grafting with bone scaffold materials in order to replace the missing bone tissue or thicken the surrounding gum.
Treatment can control the peri-implantitis, allowing for survival of the implant crown or bridgework.
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In advanced bone loss, there is little alternative but to remove and replace an ailing implant, which will also mean the loss of the implant restoration. In these circumstances, this may be accompanied by a great deal of bone loss, although we will generally find a solution which may involve the use of grafting, or specially made short implants.
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