Periimplantitis
What is periimplantitis?
Periimplantitis is a disease that affects dental implants. Its characteristics include bone loss, deep probing depths, bleeding, suppuration (Pus), swelling and in few cases pain. It is a destructive inflammatory process that affects the soft (gums) and hard (bone) tissues around the dental implant. Studies have shown it affects 27% of the population that has at least one dental implant in their mouth. Periimplantitis compares to those patients who are affected by periodontal disease (gum disease) and is an irreversible disease.
What causes periimplantitis?
The main cause of periimplantitis is bacteria. The lack of brushing or flossing of the dental implant is the main risk factor. Others include smoking, stress, previous periodontal diseases, infected neighboring teeth, suboptimal surgical or prosthetic execution, and/or improper maintenance care. Dr. Hector Sarmiento is one of the few periodontist in the nation who is treats periimplantitis. He has created methods to decontaminate the dental implant with a variety of special instruments and lasers, ultimately allowing a bone graft to be placed and save the implant. To help others minimize and thoroughly understand the disease, Dr. Sarmiento finds great pleasure in lecturing and teaching his techniques to other Specialists. The case above is one of many treated by Dr. Sarmiento that has resulted in success at a 3-year evaluation. This patient was told by his dentist he had to remove the infected implant and that he may lose more bone thereafter. This would have concluded in a non-esthetic result and could have caused an undesirable environment for future placement of a second implant. Due to Dr. Sarmiento’s minimally invasive and conservative approach which is the hallmark of his treatments, he was able to avoid any unwanted results.
How can I prevent periimplantitis?
Dr. Hector Sarmiento recommends after you have your dental implant placed in your mouth, visit your periodontist every 3-6 months for implant maintenance and avoid the risk of a disease developing. Periimplantitis may still develop but can be diagnosed at an earlier stage, allowing us to treat it without a surgical procedure. Dr. Sarmiento’s office is known as the Center for Treatment and Prevention of Periimplant Diseases.