What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis happens when the bone and gum tissue around a dental implant become infected and inflamed. To reduce the chance of losing the dental implant, it is imperative that the infection be treated immediately. Some common causes of this type of infection include:

• Improperly placed implants
• Low bone density around the dental implant
• Implant areas have not been cleaned often and thoroughly
• Untreated periodontal disease
• Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism
• The use of tobacco products such as chewing tobacco and cigarettes

Proper at-home and in-office prevention and oral hygiene can reduce the likelihood of peri-implantitis.
If your dental implant is inflamed, see our dentists immediately to receive treatment that can prevent bone, tissue and dental implant loss.

Peri-Implantitis Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with peri-implantitis, Dr. Richard Jirsa, Dr. Todd Walker and Dr. Guha may recommend treatments which include deep cleaning and medication to combat the infection and save your dental implant. Our dentists will provide you with a list of specific oral hygiene instructions to follow while at home.

Should the infection persist, we may suggest LAPIP™ laser treatment. Using advanced technology, these lasers deep clean and reshape the infected area to help protect your dental implant and restore your oral health. This treatment, in addition to your oral hygiene instructions, can effectively stop bone loss and reduce gum inflammation.

How do you know you have Peri-Implantitis?

The most common signs of peri-implantitis are bleeding gums and a dull aching near the dental implant site. However, many patients rarely experience symptoms until the condition has become severe enough that the dental implants are lost. We encourage you to maintain routine dental visits to Prescott Periodontics & Implant Dentistry so our dentists can examine your mouth for peri-implantitis and help you maintain proper dental hygiene so that if peri-implantitis is found, it can be address during the early stages of its development.

After LAPIP™ Laser Treatment

Regular appointments with our team are essential after receiving LAPIP™ laser treatment. These visits, in addition to maintaining and adhering to a strict oral hygiene at home, can reduce the possibility of peri-implantitis developing again.

If you need peri-implantitis treatments in Prescott, Arizona, feel free to contact one of our convenient dental offices at 928-778-2340 for more details and to schedule an appointment.