Peri-implant Diseases

Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard gum tissues around dental implants. Similar to a natural tooth, bacteria can build up on the base of the implant, below the gum line. Over time, the bacteria irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed, damaging the tissue and if not caught early, causing the bone structure below the implant to deteriorate. Peri-implant diseases are classified into two categories.
In peri-implant mucositis, gum inflammation is found only around the soft tissues of the dental implant, with no signs of bone loss. Generally peri-implant mucositis is a precursor to peri-implantitis. Evidence suggests that peri-implant mucositis may be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early
In peri-implantitis, gum inflammation is found around the soft tissue and there is deterioration in the bone supporting the dental implant. Peri-implantitis usually requires surgical treatment.	Peri-implant mucositis
	Peri-implantitis
Signs of peri-implant diseases are similar to symptoms of gum disease: red or tender gums around the implants, or bleeding when brushing. And just like your natural teeth, implants require regular tooth brushing and flossing and regular check-ups from a dental professional. Other risks factors for developing peri-implant disease include previous periodontal disease diagnosis, poor plaque control, smoking, and diabetes. It is essential to routinely monitor dental implants as part of a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.  The up side to dental implants is they function just like your natural tooth. The down side is, they are capable of becoming diseased just like a natural tooth. With a proper oral health routine, your dental implant can last a lifetime. perio.org

NEW RESEARCH SUPPORTS ASSESSING RISK, PREVENTIVE TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) supports new research published online in the Journal of Dental Research confirming the need for careful risk assessment to determine which patients may benefit from additional treatment to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease impacts over half of the U.S. adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The AAP recommends that all patients receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation once a year to effectively screen and assess risk for disease, and to guide preventive care.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Common risk factors for periodontal disease include the presence of other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, poor oral hygiene, smoking, age, and genetics.

In the study titled “Patient Stratification for Preventive Care in Dentistry,”researchers assessed a patient’s risk for periodontal disease to determine if visiting the dentist once or twice a year helped prevent long-term consequences of periodontal disease. Patients were classified as high-risk for periodontal disease if they had one or more of three commonly observed risk factors: smoking, diabetes or the interleukin-1 genotype. Patients were considered low-risk if they did not possess any of the three risk factors. Loss of teeth was assessed as the consequence of moderate to severe periodontal disease. Over 5,100 patients were evaluated over 16 years.

The findings indicate that individuals at a low risk for periodontal disease experience no significant difference in tooth loss rates whether they received one preventive dental visit or two. However, high-risk individuals saw better periodontal health outcomes when they visited the dentist twice a year, and the data suggest that those high risk individuals with more than a single risk factor may need more than twice yearly preventive visits. 

According to Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in Independence, Missouri, the results underscore the importance of regular, preventive care. “An annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation includes a thorough assessment of periodontal health, including a detailed inventory of any risk factors for disease. A dental professional should examine your mouth once a year to identify existing periodontal disease as well as assess risk for future disease. For some patients, this once-a-year visit is sufficient. However, according to the study patients with increased risk for periodontal disease warrant additional preventive visits.” 

Dr. Newhouse believes that these findings may also help dental professionals provide smarter, more efficient care. “Given the prevalence of periodontal disease in this country, the findings support patients receiving personalized periodontal care catered to their specific risk profile or diagnosis.”

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