Seek Treatment for Peri-Implantitis

Dental implants in Athens, GA, are long-lasting tooth replacement options for many individuals, but they can have complications like any surgical procedure. Dr. Neal Pylant helps a number of patients overcome peri-implantitis every year. Understanding this condition can help you get a better idea of the available treatment options and ensure that you aren't adversely affected.

What is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis occurs around your implants and starts as a slight bacterial infection. These bacteria get in and around the tissues surrounding your implant and spread. Most early symptoms include minimal pain and slight swelling around the infection site. However, increased bacterial spread results in worsening effects that may be fairly painful, including:

  • Pus discharge around the gums near the implant
  • Bleeding around the gums near the implant area
  • Painful but unseen loss of bone tissue
  • Receding gum line around the infected area that may worsen with time
  • Exposure of the implant through the gums
  • Loose implant in the gums due to loss of tissue
  • Swollen lymph nodes that may be tender

Factors such as a compromised immune system, poor dental care, and bad sleep habits may contribute to this condition. Even something as simple as grinding your teeth at night may trigger peri-implantitis. Thankfully, treatment methods can help to minimize the impact of this disease. Doing so protects your dental implants in Athens, GA, and ensures stronger oral health.

Care Methods to Consider

Treatment starts by cleaning the infected areas immediately and removing any damaged tissue that could worsen the spread. Hopefully, cleaning minimizes the need to remove gum tissue and stops this disease from worsening. Focused oral care treatments before and after this procedure may also help you. In addition, antibiotic treatment helps kill much of the bacteria on an implant and can prevent a worsening spread that could impact a person's oral health.

In severe cases, the implant may be removed, and bone is grafted to the jaw to minimize further complications. This extra bone helps to increase implant stability and boosts the strength of the jaw in general. Antibiotics help during this process by killing bacteria before it spreads throughout the bone.

Do you need treatment for peri-implantitis or general care for your dental implants in Athens, GA? Then you should contact us today to learn more. Dr. Pylant works with implants and can provide a myriad of different dental care options that will keep your oral health strong. Please call us at 706-543-0026 to set up an appointment or to learn more about your treatment choices.

Contact Us

F. Neal Pylant, D.M.D., P.C.

Scott Lowry, D.M.D.

706-543-0026

375 Hawthorne Lane Athens, GA 30606-2153