Dental implants are one of the most effective, safe, durable and attractive solutions for replacing missing teeth. Although quite rare, certain complications can nevertheless occur. The most common is peri-implant mucositis, which is an inflammation of the mucous membrane around the implant. If this inflammation is not treated promptly and gets infected, bone loss can occur around the implant. This condition is called peri-implantitis.
Causes, symptoms and treatment; find out everything you need to know about peri-implant mucositis and its complications with the Clinique Maxillo experts.
What are the symptoms of peri-implant mucositis?
Peri-implant mucositis is a rather discreet oral pathology that can be recognized by the red coloration it gives to the mucous membrane around the implant. It is not always easy to detect with the naked eye and may not be painful, which is why only an oral health care professional can confirm if you have the condition.
The oral specialist uses a probe to determine whether the inflammation around the dental implant is caused by mucositis. The probe is inserted between the gum and the implant. This procedure is completely painless. If there is bleeding, they will take a 3D radiology of your mouth to make sure it is mucositis.
If you notice redness in the area around your implant, you should make an appointment with a maxillofacial specialist, especially if the redness is accompanied by pain or discomfort. In this case, you may have a more serious infection such as peri-implantitis.
What causes peri-implant mucositis?
The causes of peri-implant mucositis can vary. Nevertheless, it can easily be avoided if you maintain good oral hygiene. On its own, it’s a fairly benign problem, but the risk of peri-implant mucositis developing into peri-implantitis shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The main factor causing peri-implant mucositis is the accumulation of plaque between the implant and the gums. Brushing your teeth after each meal and daily flossing are therefore recommended.
Smoking is another possible cause of this condition. If you are a smoker, we recommend being extra vigilant and periodically having the condition of your dental implant checked.
It is also advisable to visit a dental expert at least once a year so that they can remove any plaque from the implant.
Peri-implant mucositis treatment
Proper maintenance of your dental implant through meticulous oral hygiene is undoubtedly the best way to avoid your mucous membranes becoming inflamed. However, if the condition is already present, there are several ways to prevent infection and the loosening of the implant.
The first step in treating peri-implant mucositis is to remove plaque and calculus from the exposed part of the infected implant. For this, you will need to make an appointment with an oral specialist. The second step is to completely disinfect the mouth with an antibacterial solution.
By removing the source of the inflammation, the infected soft tissues will be able to heal on their own within a few weeks.
How to prevent peri-implant mucositis turning into peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is to the implant what gum disease is to the tooth. It is therefore essential to treat your peri-implant mucositis as soon as the first symptoms appear. This way, you can prevent the condition from developing into peri-implantitis, which can lead to complications such as the loss of your implant.
Contact Clinique MFML for more information about dental implant care
At Clinique MFML, we have over 22 years of experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dental implant placement. We are perfectly qualified to answer your questions concerning the installation and maintenance of implants, as well as any complications that may arise.
Do you think dental implant placement is right for you? Contact our Montreal or south shore office today and it will be our pleasure to discuss whether an implant is a viable solution for your problem and present you with the available options if this is not the case.
