No peri-implantitis thanks to implant care

If you opt for an implant-supported denture, you will have to invest heavily in your oral health, but you will receive a first-class, high-quality denture in return.

Despite a careful choice of implantologist (who should be an expert in implantology and periodontology) and the considerable advantages of implants compared to other tooth replacement options, complications can occur later during osseointegration (sensitive healing phase of bone remodeling) after the successful implantation of endosseous implants. One such challenge is peri-implant disease (peri-implantitis), which can have serious consequences.

Symptoms of peri-implantitis

Mixed bacterial infection
Clinical signs of inflammation such as: swelling, redness, pain and bleeding (during probing or cleaning) of the gums around the implant, in the acute stage with pus discharge (pus formation) and increased probing depths
Aesthetically unattractive exposure of the implant due to receding gums
Pain in the area of the implant and the jawbone
Progressive bone loss
Loosening of the implant in advanced stages.
Implant failure (total loss of the denture in the final stage/eximplantation)

Peri-implantitis goes through two stages: an initial, still reversible, bacterial soft tissue inflammation of the surrounding tissue around the implant in the cervical region (peri-implant mucositis), which later develops into a serious inflammation that extends deeper into the jawbone and also leads to progressive bone loss (peri-implantitis). If left untreated, it leads to premature implant loss/explantation and can lead to an increased systemic risk (apoplexy, heart attack…). A special form is retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI), with isolated findings below the implant neck at the implant tip (apical regions).

However, if you regularly care for the tissue around implants from the outset through good oral hygiene and targeted supportive measures, you can prevent the accumulation of microbial biofilms (plaque), which are responsible for the development of these inflammations (risk elimination) and save yourself a lot of trouble and frustration!

What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a mixed bacterial infection that infects the soft and hard tissue around a dental implant. The disease can be divided into 2 different stages:

Peri-implant mucositis: Exclusive inflammation of the soft tissue, often reversible if recognized and treated early. Careful supra- and subgingival cleaning and biofilm loosening/removal + decontamination by aPDT (antibacterial photodynamic therapy) using a diode laser.
Peri-implantitis: Severe inflammation of the soft tissue that extends to the jawbone with progressive bone loss. In addition to careful supra- and subgingival cleaning and biofilm loosening/removal + decontamination by aPDT, special surgical measures such as reconstructive therapies (pocket reduction, tissue pocket augmentation with bone grafting material or an autologous transplant) are also required here, depending on the severity. If left untreated, it leads to premature implant loss/explantation.
Retrograde peri-implantitis: A rare special form, triggered by a wide variety of causes, recognizable by an apical focus around the implant, with involvement of adjacent teeth or starting from them and characterized by numerous clinical symptoms. Depending on its extent, it is divided into 3 classes and can often be successfully treated with antibiotic therapy in combination with a surgical procedure.

Causes of peri-implantitis

Main cause: Inadequate oral hygiene or conditions that lead to a weakening of the immune system. This often leads to an accumulation of microbial biofilms (plaque) and hard dental plaque (tartar) in the implant neck region after a few days, causing irritation and inflammation.
Smoking: Cigarette smoke weakens the immune system and impairs blood circulation in the oral cavity. There is an increased risk for this group of people! Inflammations are only recognized very late, as bleeding and symptoms occur less frequently and much later.
Diabetes: This metabolic disease increases the risk of infection and in turn leads to a deterioration in blood sugar levels in the event of an infection.
Osteoporosis: A weakening of the bone can jeopardize the anchoring of the implant in the bone.
Medication: Certain medications can increase the risk of peri-implantitis.

Treatment of peri-implantitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. In early stages, non-surgical methods such as professional teeth cleaning and the use of antimicrobial agents may be sufficient. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat the affected tissue and regenerate the bone.

Prevention strategies and care instructions

To ensure the long-term success of dental implants, we recommend not only daily care, regular professional teeth cleaning and dental check-ups with annual x-rays, but also supportive measures such as the prophylactic use of durimplant gel. These measures help to prevent and detect peri-implantitis at an early stage so that treatment can be initiated quickly.

Diagnosis of peri-implantitis

The solution: durimplant care gel

For longer enjoyment of the implant

Prevention begins with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Durimplant, our specially developed peri-implantitis prophylaxis gel/implant care gel, offers an effective solution for preventing peri-implantitis and supporting general oral health as an additional supportive prophylactic measure:

Daily use: durimplant should be used daily after brushing your teeth to ensure optimal care and prevent the development of peri-implantitis.
Ingredients: durimplant contains allantoin, which soothes the mucous membrane and promotes cell regeneration. Thymol, another important ingredient, has a disinfectant/combats bacterial colonization and peppermint oil alleviates any discomfort.

The health and longevity of your dental implants is our primary goal at Lege Artis. With Durimplant, we offer a product specifically designed to address the challenges associated with peri-implantitis and support the long-term success of your implants. We invite you to learn more about the benefits of Durimplant and ask your dentist for advice on how this product can become part of your daily oral care routine.