Dental implants are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, but complications can occur if the surrounding tissues become diseased. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding a dental implant.
This condition involves inflammation and bacterial accumulation that can affect the gums and supporting bone around the implant. If you leave it untreated, the progressive tissue damage can cause the implant to fail entirely and affect your smile.
What Symptoms Can Indicate Peri-Implantitis?
Catching the signs early can save your implant. Monitor your oral health closely for these five warning signs.
Gum Inflammation
Healthy gums are firm and pink. If the tissue around your implant looks visibly swollen, irritated, or enlarged, your body may be responding to inflammation or bacterial buildup around the implant.
Bleeding Gums
Gums should not bleed during your normal brushing or flossing routine. If you notice blood around your implant, it is a primary warning sign that bacteria are accumulating.
Persistent Bad Breath
Many patients notice a constant bad taste or struggle with chronic bad breath. This may occur because bacteria can accumulate around the implant site and produce compounds that contribute to persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
Gum Recession
Your teeth might suddenly look longer than usual. This change happens when an active infection destroys the surrounding tissue and causes your gums to pull back. Eventually, this recession can expose the dark metal threads of your implant post.
Implant Mobility
A healthy implant stays completely stable; if it feels loose, it usually means you might be losing the bone that holds it in place.
How Can Peri-Implantitis Be Prevented?
Preventing peri-implantitis relies on consistent oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices. Daily brushing helps maintain your implant, and your dental professional may recommend specialized floss or other cleaning tools for hard-to-reach areas.
Routine dental visits and regular implant maintenance matter. Your dental professional can remove hardened tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing alone.
What Causes Peri-Implantitis?
The condition begins when bacteria accumulate around the implant and form a sticky film called plaque. The body’s immune response to this bacterial buildup can lead to inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Unfortunately, this constant immune response inflames your gums and degrades the jawbone. Poor brushing, smoking, and skipping dental cleanings significantly accelerate this damage.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Do not wait for pain to develop, as peri-implantitis may progress without noticeable discomfort in its early stages. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or a loose implant, schedule an evaluation with a dental professional as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chances of preserving your dental implant. Don’t let an infection affect your beautiful smile. Contact Cypress Periodontics and Dental Implants today at (281) 677-0222.