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Peri-implantitis: causes, symptoms and effective treatments of implant infections
Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding a dental implant, which can lead to pain and, in some cases, bone loss. Here is the essential information to know to take care and preserve your dental implants.
hygiene-precision.com
2/12/20267 min read
Dental Implant Pain: Risk of Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is one of the most feared complications following the placement of a dental implant. This inflammatory condition, comparable to periodontitis around a natural tooth, can lead to bone loss around the implant and threaten its long-term stability. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments—as well as the best hygiene solutions such as the Aquolab ozone water flosser—is essential to preserving the health of your dental implants.
Pain After Dental Implant Placement
After dental implant surgery, moderate pain is common and normal. It results from the surgical intervention on the bone and gum tissues. Mild swelling or bruising may occur. Prescribed painkillers usually help control discomfort effectively during the initial healing phase.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
Pain typically lasts three to five days and gradually decreases within the first 48 hours. Mild sensitivity may persist for one to two weeks. In cases of severe or prolonged pain, there may be a risk of peri-implantitis, and it is advisable to consult your dental surgeon promptly.
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the gum and bone tissue surrounding a dental implant. It is characterized by progressive destruction of the supporting bone, which may ultimately lead to implant loss if not treated in time.
It should not be confused with mucositis, which refers to inflammation limited to the soft tissues around the implant without bone involvement. Mucositis is reversible, whereas peri-implantitis leads to irreversible bone resorption without appropriate intervention.
Dental Implant Gum Pain: Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis
Early signs of peri-implantitis are often subtle:
Red, swollen, or painful gums around the implant
Bleeding during brushing or chewing
Persistent bad breath
Sensation of mobility or discomfort around the implant
Presence of pus or an unpleasant taste
Early diagnosis is crucial. A control radiograph can detect bone loss around a dental implant before it becomes visible to the naked eye.
Main Causes of Peri-Implantitis
Several risk factors may contribute to peri-implantitis:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate cleaning around implants leads to the accumulation of bacterial plaque and biofilm. These bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums and cause chronic inflammation.
Smoking and Systemic Diseases
Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, or certain immune disorders increase the risk of peri-implantitis. Smokers experience reduced tissue vascularization, which limits healing capacity.
Mechanical and Surgical Factors
Poor bone integration, excess cement after crown placement, or occlusal overload may also trigger peri-implant inflammation.
Implant Materials
Some studies suggest differences in tissue response between titanium and zirconia implants, particularly regarding bacterial adhesion. However, daily maintenance remains the key factor.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Peri-Implantitis
Diagnosis is based on:
Clinical examination (bleeding, suppuration, mobility)
Periodontal probing around the implant
Periapical or 3D radiography to assess bone loss
Regular follow-up visits allow early detection of peri-implantitis, when conservative non-surgical treatment is still possible.
Treatment of Peri-Implantitis
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
Initial non-surgical phase: mechanical and chemical decontamination of implant surfaces, sometimes using laser or ultrasonic systems.
Surgical phase (in cases of significant bone loss): flap elevation, thorough cleaning, and in some cases bone grafting.
The objective is to stop infection progression and preserve the implant whenever possible.
Preventing Peri-Implantitis: Hygiene First
Prevention primarily relies on rigorous oral hygiene and regular professional follow-up. Best practices include:
Daily Cleaning of Dental Implants
Implant patients should:
Brush their teeth two to three times a day with a suitable toothbrush (soft or sonic)
Use interdental brushes to remove plaque between implants
Complement with a water flosser or oral irrigator to clean hard-to-reach areas
The Role of the Aquolab Ozone Water Flosser in Implant Hygiene
The Aquolab ozone water flosser stands out as an innovative solution
for deep cleaning around dental implants. Thanks to the micro-diffusion
of ozonated water, it enables gentle and natural disinfection
of interdental spaces, gums, and peri-implant areas.
Why Ozone?
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent known for its antibacterial and disinfecting properties. When used in oral hygiene, it helps to:
Reduce bacterial load around implants
Limit gum inflammation
Improve the sensation of cleanliness and freshness
The Aquolab ozone water flosser can therefore be perfectly integrated into the daily routine of patients with dental implants, alongside brushing and professional check-ups.
Ozone care to preserve dental implants : Aquolab Products
Aquolab offers a range of complementary products designed to optimize the oral care of dental implants.
Ozonic Ozone Toothpaste
Aquolab’s Ozonic toothpaste contains
stabilized ozone microbubbles and gentle
ingredients for the gums. Daily use helps to:
Maintain a healthy oral environment
Reduce bacterial plaque formation
Protect sensitive peri-implant tissues
Promote remineralization
It is particularly suitable for patients prone to mucositis or peri-implantitis who are looking for a non-abrasive, soothing toothpaste.
Aquolab Sonic Toothbrush
The Aquolab sonic toothbrush provides high-frequency
brushing that effectively removes plaque even
in difficult-to-reach areas around implants.
Thanks to its gentle and precise movements,
it promotes impeccable hygiene without traumatizing the gums,
which are often more fragile around implants.
Complete Routine for Implant Wearers
For optimal daily hygiene, Aquolab recommends:
Brushing with the Aquolab sonic toothbrush and Ozonic toothpaste
Using the Aquolab ozone water flosser after each meal whenever possible
Completing professional check-ups every 6 to 12 months
This approach helps prevent peri-implantitis and extend the lifespan of dental implants.
Additional Tips to Prevent Peri-Implantitis
Quit smoking: it triples the risk of peri-implant inflammation.
Control diabetes: stable blood sugar levels promote healing.
Monitor warning signs: bleeding, pain, implant mobility.
Never ignore bleeding: it may indicate early mucositis.
When Should You Consult a Specialist?
If you notice swelling, frequent bleeding, or discomfort around your implant, consult your dental surgeon or implant specialist promptly.
Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of saving the implant without invasive surgery.
Conclusion: Preserving Your Implants Is a Daily Commitment
Peri-implantitis is not inevitable. By adopting rigorous hygiene habits and using effective tools such as the Aquolab ozone water flosser, Ozonic toothpaste, and the Aquolab sonic toothbrush, you significantly reduce the risk of peri-implant inflammation.
Dental implant maintenance relies on a balance between home care and professional monitoring.
A simple gesture, repeated every day, helps preserve the health of your gums, the stability of your implants, and the longevity of your smile.
FAQ - Peri-Implantitis and Dental Implant Maintenance
What is peri-implantitis around a dental implant?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues and bone surrounding a dental implant. It leads to progressive bone loss and, if not treated promptly, may result in implant mobility or even implant loss.
What is the difference between mucositis and peri-implantitis?
Mucositis is a superficial inflammation of the gum tissue around the implant, without bone loss.
Peri-implantitis, on the other hand, involves destruction of the supporting bone. Mucositis is reversible when treated early, whereas peri-implantitis requires more advanced management.
What are the early symptoms of peri-implantitis?
Early signs of peri-implantitis include:
Bleeding around the implant
Red, swollen, or painful gums
Persistent bad breath
A sensation of implant mobility
Occasionally, pus discharge
Early diagnosis often helps prevent significant bone loss.
How is peri-implantitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of peri-implantitis is based on a clinical examination and dental X-rays.
The dentist measures pocket depth around the implant, checks for bleeding on probing, and evaluates peri-implant bone loss visible on radiographs.
What causes peri-implantitis after implant placement?
The most common causes include:
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking, which impairs healing
Poorly controlled diabetes
Excess dental cement or mechanical overload
Persistent pathogenic bacteria
How can peri-implantitis be treated without surgery?
Non-surgical treatment is possible in the early stages of peri-implantitis.
It includes:
Mechanical and chemical cleaning of the implant surface
The use of laser therapy or an ozone dental irrigator to reduce bacteria
Regular professional follow-up to monitor progression
How effective are laser or ozone treatments for peri-implantitis?
Laser and ozone treatments allow gentle decontamination of peri-implant tissues.
The Aquolab ozone dental irrigator, for example, helps reduce bacterial load around the implant and prevent inflammation when integrated into a daily hygiene routine.
How can peri-implantitis be prevented after dental implant placement?
To prevent peri-implantitis:
Maintain rigorous oral hygiene with a toothbrush, interdental brushes, and a dental irrigator
Use a gentle toothpaste, such as Ozonic with ozone
Attend regular dental check-ups
Avoid smoking and control systemic diseases
What is the role of the Aquolab ozone dental irrigator in preventing peri-implantitis?
The Aquolab ozone dental irrigator delivers a stream of ozonated water that helps clean hard-to-reach areas around implants.
It contributes to reducing bacteria responsible for mucositis and peri-implantitis while respecting delicate gum tissues.
Is Ozonic ozone toothpaste suitable for implant patients?
Yes. Aquolab’s Ozonic toothpaste contains stabilized ozone microbubbles that support gentle oral disinfection.
It helps maintain a healthy oral environment, reduce bacterial plaque, and protect sensitive peri-implant tissues.
What is the best toothbrush for dental implants?
Sonic toothbrushes, such as the Aquolab sonic toothbrush, are recommended for implant patients.
They provide gentle yet effective brushing, promoting optimal hygiene without damaging the gums.
When combined with the Aquolab dental irrigator and Ozonic toothpaste, they create a complete peri-implantitis prevention routine.
What oral hygiene routine should be followed to avoid peri-implantitis?
Recommended daily routine:
Brush your teeth with the Aquolab sonic toothbrush and Ozonic toothpaste.
Use the Aquolab ozone dental irrigator to remove interdental debris.
Complete your care with a professional check-up every 6 to 12 months.
This routine significantly reduces the risk of mucositis and peri-implantitis.
Can peri-implantitis affect smokers or diabetic patients?
Yes, smoking and diabetes are major risk factors.
Smokers have up to three times higher risk of developing peri-implantitis, while poorly controlled diabetic patients experience impaired healing.
Enhanced oral hygiene and more frequent dental check-ups are essential for these individuals.
Where can I find a peri-implantitis specialist?
To find a peri-implantitis specialist in [your city], search on Google:
“peri-implantitis treatment [city]” or “implant dentist [city]”
Choose a practitioner experienced in implant maintenance techniques and decontamination treatments.
What should I do if my implant moves or bleeds?
An implant that moves, bleeds, or shows discharge requires prompt consultation.
It may indicate advanced peri-implantitis. The earlier the treatment, the greater the chances of saving the implant without extensive surgery.
What are the best practices to preserve dental implants long-term?
Brush your teeth after every meal
Use the Aquolab ozone dental irrigator daily
Choose a gentle toothpaste such as Ozonic
Avoid smoking and monitor the gum tissue around implants
Schedule an annual check-up with your implant specialist
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