implants: Avoiding peri-implantitis
Implants and the dentures attached to them require particularly careful care. Otherwise there is a risk of periimplantitis, an inflammation around the artificial tooth root. In the worst case, the dentist has to remove the implant.
Peri-implantitis is comparable to periodontitis in natural teeth.
Inflammatory diseases can occur not only in natural teeth, but also in implants. The dentist then speaks of periimplantitis.
It should always be treated and as early as possible. Without treatment there is a risk of implant loss.
Implants and bacteria
“If implant-supported dentures are not adequately cared for, bacteria can adhere to the implant post, migrate down along it and cause inflammation of the gums,” clarifies Prof. Dr. Hans-Christoph Lauer, Director of the Polyclinic for Dental Prosthetics at the University of Frankfurt am Main.
“If the inflammation progresses, it can spread to the bone. Peri-implantitis develops. It is often worse and spreads faster than periodontitis on natural teeth.”
This is due to the structure of the implant. For example, the connecting piece protruding from the gum is smooth and easy to clean during daily oral hygiene.
However, the part anchored in the bone has threads and a rough surface. If bacteria have reached the implant site, it is much more difficult to remove them than on a natural tooth.
Smoking also increases risk of implant loss
Generally, more than 90 percent of artificial tooth roots heal successfully. Smoking, however, makes healing much more difficult.
On average, the risk of losing a dental implant is twice as high in smokers than in non-smokers. The risk increases with increasing nicotine consumption. Heavy smokers can lose up to one third of their implants.
The culprit is poorer wound healing due to smoking. Similarly, the risk of faster and more severe bone loss in the vicinity of implants is significantly higher in smokers.
Premature loss of the implant may occur. Smokers should renounce the blue smoke even before an implant has to be placed.
Image rights: ©proDente e.V./Johann Peter Kierzkowski
Initiative proDente e.V. – Facts
Five associations representing the entire dental spectrum in Germany are involved in the proDente initiative e.V.:
The German Dental Association (BZÄK)
The Free Association of German Dentists (FVDZ)
The Association of German Dental Technicians Guilds (VDZI)
The Association of the German Dental Industry (VDDI)
German Dental Trade Association (BVD)
Why this initiative?
proDente has set itself the goal of providing sound specialist knowledge in the fields of dentistry and dental technology. The initiative aims to provide dedicated patient education to support dentists and dental technicians.
proDente wants to show the value of healthy and beautiful teeth. Above all, the focus is on educational work from prophylaxis to prosthetics. For dentists and dental technicians, proDente presents a comprehensive range of services to facilitate communication with patients.