You may have heard of these terms “periodontitis and peri-implantitis” and perhaps you do not understand what they mean and how they relate with each other. Knowing some of these dentistry terms is important because it makes it easier to discuss your treatment options and other oral needs with a dentist.
Peri-implantitis and Periodontitis
How dental implants work is similar to the way natural teeth function except that with natural teeth, you find hundreds of tiny ligaments connecting to the tooth root as well as the surrounding bone that support the roots. In the case of a dental implant surface, it lacks those ligaments. Therefore, if a bacterial infection such as gum disease or gingivitis starts to develop, your gum line is likely to give out faster.
When it comes to traditional gum disease, there are pockets that develop around teeth due to a lack of flossing, brushing, or overall good dental hygiene. A periodontist may perform surgical treatments or a thorough cleaning to eradicate the infection, tighten the soft tissues, and reduce additional bone loss.
However, when it comes to peri-implant disease, the implant posts are anchored directly in the supporting bone. As such, if harmful bacteria attack the gum line, then your gums detach, causing a severe mouth infection around those implants. The infection is likely to spread much quicker than regular gum disease. If not treated, the peri-implant disease is able to cause complete loss of the dental implant within that location. The bone loss is also able to affect the adjacent teeth as well as implants.
If you have received dental implants, you need to have them checked occasionally to make sure there is no infection, which may cause them to fail. To learn more about dental implants and the complications likely to occur, visit our periodontal team. Schedule your appointment today to get dental implants or have them checked to ensure good oral health.
You may have heard of these terms “periodontitis and peri-implantitis” and perhaps you do not understand what they mean and how they relate with each other. Knowing some of these dentistry terms is important because it makes it easier to discuss your treatment options and other oral needs with a dentist.