Peri-Implant Disease: What youCan Do About It

As you know, peri-implantitis, much like periodontitis, is a condition that affects the tissues surrounding a functional implant. It is characterized by inflammatory reactions with loss of supporting bone in the tissues surrounding a functioning implant.

Patients with timely periodontal treatment have more successful outcomes. As a general dentist, you and your hygienists are often the front line in terms of diagnosing existingperi-implant disease and determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Signs of peri-implant disease that you should look for includes:

  • Swelling and redness of the tissue surrounding the implant site.
  • Bleeding of surrounding tissues upon probing.
  • Probe depths of greater than 3 – 4 millimeters.

The course of treatment involves controlling the infection and the reduction of inflammation removal of plaque and cleaning.

Also, remind your patient that at-home oral hygiene routines are critical to maintain the health of the tissues surrounding the implant and to ensure continued success with the implant. Similar to proper oral hygiene of natural teeth, proper implant care includes:

  • Brushing two times a day for at least two minutes.
  • Flossing daily.
  • Visiting the dentist regularly.

If any of your patients shows signs of peri-implant disease, have them contact our office here doctor@drgaryperlman.com or call (904) 731-1324 to set up a consultation. As you can see from the x-ray examples, as with periodontitis, I have had great success treating patients with peri-implantitis with LANAP.