It is important that a clinician who places and/or restores a dental implant also show effective preventive procedures to the patient. Unlike a tooth, a dental implant cannot have caries and usually will not fracture (unless it is a low quality implant or too narrow of an implant). Dental implants can develop Peri-Mucocitis (inflammation of the gum tissue only around the dental implant) or Peri-Implantitits (destruction of the bone adjacent to the implant). Peri-Implantitis is similar in etiology to Periodontitis.
Periodontists are diligent in placing dental implants and also showing patients how to maintain periodontal health around the dental implants. Effective use of a rubber tip interdental stimulator and water pik along with brushing and flossing will prevent both Peri-Mucocitis and Peri-Implantitis.
When there is Peri-Implantitis (bone loss around the neck of the dental implant), dental implant repair surgery may be necessary. The gum tissue is moved away from the dental implant on the inside and outside of the implant to provide access. A thorough debridement of the infected tissue and detoxification of the dental implant is done. Bone graft is placed around the dental implant, which is then covered with a collagen (absorbable ) membrane. Sutures are placed and an antibiotic is taken for a week or more.
Effective and diligent oral hygiene will prevent both Muco-Implantitis and Peri-Implantitis.
