Periodontal Treatment

Periodontitis, commonly referred to as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The main cause of periodontitis is various strains of bacteria in the mouth causing plaque that produces toxins. As the body reacts to these toxins it causes inflammation around the teeth. If left untreated the gums will begin to recede and can potentially result in the loss of teeth, as well as causing serious illness.

Gum disease or conditions that can lead to development may be inherited. Other factors that can increase the risk of gum disease include advancing age, diabetes, decreased immunity, smoking, poor oral health, certain medications, lack of a balanced diet, changes in hormones, such as during pregnancy, and gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums.

Peri-implantitis is a condition like periodontal disease seen around teeth. The symptoms of peri-implantitis can be seen through x-ray, and a diagnosis is formed from the presence of mucositis, puss, and bone loss around the implant. Peri-implantitis can be impacted by lifestyle factors such as smoking and a lack of good oral hygiene but it can also find its cause in complaints such as diabetes.

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The initial procedure for peri-implantitis can often be achieved without anaesthetic, but for the more tender sites a simple local anaesthetic is all that is required.

If you’re suffering with peri-implantitis initial treatment is usually conservation. Conservation may take the form of irrigation under the gum, in which antimicrobial agents are used. Antibiotic gels may also be applied below the gum. If this initial treatment is unsuccessful at treating the infection or the disease is already at a progressed stage, your dentist may recommend surgical decontamination as the next step. This involves lifting the gum to remove any inflamed and infected tissue from around the implant and to decontaminate the surface of the implant. It might also be necessary to undertake some form of bone grafting; such surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic.

The initial conservative treatment should see a reduction in the discomfort associated with peri-implantitis and periodontitis. 

The initial procedure for peri-implantitis can often be achieved without recourse to any anaesthetic, but for the more tender sites a simple local anaesthetic is all that is required.