Do you suffer from swollen or red gums around your implant? Have you noticed receding gums exposing the implant surface? If so, you may find yourself with a case of Peri-implantitis.
This is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding implants. When an implant is placed in the jawbone, the surrounding tissues (gums and bone) must heal fully and form a stable connection.
What Are The Causes Of Peri-implantitis?
If you find yourself suffering with this condition, this could have been caused by various factors, including:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Improper brushing and flossing around dental implants can lead to a build-up of plaque and bacteria. This can trigger inflammation and infection in the tissues surrounding the implant.
Bacterial Infection
The presence of specific bacteria can contribute to this infection developing.
Pre-existing Periodontal Disease
If you have a history of gum disease before receiving dental implants are at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis. Gum disease indicates susceptibility to bacterial infections and may increase the likelihood of implant-related complications.
Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor too. Tobacco can compromise the immune response, impair tissue healing, and increase the likelihood of implant failure or complications.
Genetic Susceptibility
Certain genetic factors may contribute to your susceptibility to infections. Genetic variations can influence the immune response and your body’s ability to fight off infections and heal tissues.
Mechanical Factors
Improper implant placement, poor implant design, or excessive mechanical stress on the implant can disrupt the balance between the implant and the surrounding tissues. This can lead to tissue inflammation and create an environment where bacteria can thrive.
Systemic Factors
Some systemic conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and immunodeficiency disorders, can increase the risk of implant-related injections. These conditions can impair your body’s immune response and prevent proper tissue healing.
After dental implants, you must ensure good oral hygiene, regularly attend professional cleanings, and follow the post-implant placement instructions provided. By doing this, you can significantly reduce the risk of any injections or issues.
What Would Be Done To Try And Save The Implant?
Over the years, if you were suffering from peri-implantitis, you would receive a full professional cleaning in an attempt to contain the disease. You would also be expected to improve your oral hygiene.
If this initial cleaning wasn’t sufficient in containing the disease, then surgery would be required to remove bacterial biofilm from the implant surface to prevent further bone loss.
This would include the implants being removed and local anaesthetic being given. The gingiva/gum is opened to expose the implant, where hard debris would be removed and bacterial biofilm cleaned from the implants. If necessary, a bone augmentation would be performed. Finally, the site would be left to heal and the existing prosthetic reconnected.
However, new technology now enables us to clean implants with a process that is minimally invasive and with better results from one initial treatment.
How Can Dental Implants Be Cleaned?
Dentists across the world have struggled with the treatment of this for many years. Completely removing all of the bacteria from the implant surface was almost impossible through conventional methods such as brushing, using chemicals or lasers. If bacteria is left on the surface of the implants at all, the injection will progress.
However, as Dentistry forever evolves, the use of electrolytic cleaning is making huge results in the treatment of this disease.
What Is Electrolytic Cleaning?
Electrolytic cleaning is the application of an electrochemical cleaning process used to remove bacterial biofilm from the surface of dental implants. It’s a unique and safe procedure that aims to completely clean the contaminated implant surface and hard-to-reach areas.
The electrolytic cleaning process typically involves the following steps. An electrolyte solution is sprayed onto the implant, which then is minimally charged. As the electric current passes through the electrolyte solution, this creates hydrogen bubbles on the surface of the implant breaking away bacterial biofilm.
What Are The Advantages Of Electrolytic Implant Cleaning?
With the use of the Galosurge Dental Implant Cleaning System, Dr Ayad can successfully remove biofilm from the dental implant. It is an easy and safe procedure that allows you to be comfortable throughout.
Its Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection is a highly effective method for removing bacterial biofilm and a minimally invasive treatment option. The electrolytic cleaning procedure is relatively straightforward and can often be performed during a dental visit without recovery time after.
Unlike surgical techniques, electrolytic cleaning primarily targets the implant surface, focusing on removing bacterial biofilm and deposits while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. This selective cleaning helps to minimise tissue damage and promotes better preservation of soft tissue and bone.
Could Electrolytic Implant Cleaning Be For You?
If you’re having similar symptoms, then book an appointment with Dr Ayad. His special interest in Dental Implants means you’ll be given the best advice and treatment plan whilst in the best hands to get you back to full oral health.
Contact Dr Ayad, to book an initial consultation.