Peri-implant gingival diseases are the occurrence of some problems around the gingiva after the implant application. The main reason for these problems is; Compared to teeth and gums, the tissues around the implant are more resistant to bacteria. If oral hygiene is not taken care of after the implant application, bacteria that increase over time cause gingival diseases around the implant. Although these diseases start in the gingiva in the first place, if the necessary treatment is not provided, they reach the bone tissue to which the implant is attached. In such advanced cases, it may even be necessary to remove the implant.
What is Peri-Implant Mucositis?
Peri-implant mucositis is a problem that occurs in the soft tissue around the implant. As a result of this disease, which is caused by the accumulation of bacteria, in the gums; redness, swelling and bleeding are seen. There are many factors that effect peri-implant mucositis disease. These; It is the formation of plaque or some diseases caused by smoking and not paying attention to oral hygiene. At the same time, implant applications made with poor quality materials or incorrectly can lead to the emergence of the disease. If the disease is diagnosed in time, it can be treated without the need for surgical operations.
How Is Peri-Implant Mucositis Treated?
The treatment of peri-implant mucositis is done with different methods according to the decision of your physician. The main purpose of treatment is to remove plaque, calculus and bacteria that cause disease from the environment. Apart from this, laser applications and photodynamic therapy are some of the methods used. Treatment can also be supported with antibiotics and mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine.
Peri-Implantitis Treatment
Peri-implant mucositis turns into peri-implantitis if left untreated. In this case, the infection and bacteria move up to the bone that keeps the implant stable and cause dissolution. The disease manifests itself with symptoms such as the shaking of the implants and the formation of abscesses. Your dentist uses dental imaging techniques to clarify the presence of peri-implantitis. In the treatment, the bacteria that cause disease in the gum and bone around the implant are removed. Treatment is also supported by laser applications. If deemed necessary by the physician, bone grafting can also be applied to the areas where there is bone loss. If this procedure is not sufficient to save the implant, new implants should be placed on the patient.
Free Gingival Graft and Connective Tissue Graft Operations
Gingival graft operations are performed so that the patient has sufficient gingival tissue. In implant applications, when there is not enough gingiva around the implant, gingival recession occurs around the implant in the long term. Retracted gingiva; It causes the surface of the implant to be exposed and the formation of pockets and spaces around it. Exposure of the implant surface causes many problems, especially implant loss. Bacteria accumulating in pockets and cavities cause bone resorption and implant loss over time.
Gingival recession also reduces the chance of success of the implant operation. The implant in an area where there is not enough attached gingiva may begin to shake over time. For this reason, free gingival graft operation should be performed before or after the implant application. The tissue taken from the palate during the operation is transferred to the area where the attached gingiva is insufficient. When tissue fusion occurs after a certain period of time; Sufficient adherent gingiva is obtained in the transplanted area and it is ensured that the implant stays successfully in the mouth for a long time.
Another of the gingival operations performed around the implant is the connective tissue graft operations. Just as the gingival thickness around your natural teeth is important, the gingival thickness around the implants is also very important for both aesthetic results and long-term functional use of the implant. In order to increase the gingival thickness around the implant, the connective tissue graft taken from the palate is transferred around the implant, as in free gingival graft operations. Healing takes place within a week and the possibility of gingival recession around the implants is prevented.
How to Prevent Gum Diseases Around Implants?
In order to prevent peri-implant gingival diseases, you should pay attention to oral hygiene at first. It is necessary to regularly clean the mouth with a toothbrush, floss and interface brush. In addition, you can include mouthwash in the oral hygiene process in accordance with your doctor’s recommendation. Smoking is a serious factor that reduces the chances of implant success. Therefore, the post-implant period is a good opportunity for you to give up your smoking habit. If you do not disrupt your regular dental check-ups, gingival diseases around the implant can be diagnosed on time and treated without causing implant loss.
