A Look Into Peri-implantitis

Bacterial infections are very harmful for your oral anatomy because it can cause complications such as dental implant failure and other health issues. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease that occurs around the gums surrounding the dental implant. This relatively unknown disease, has been growing in numbers among dental implant patients because after sometime, many patients will neglect their oral hygiene. Dr. Keith wants his patients to understand that oral hygiene is important in combating bacteria because it will preserve the lifespan of dental implants.

Dental implants are intended to last a lifetime if taken care of properly. The effects of bacterial infections can damage not only your oral health, but your physical health as well.

Effects of Poor Hygiene on Your Body

Bacterial infections are the root of many health issues such as diabetes or Alzheimer disease. Here are a few examples of how poor oral hygiene affects your whole body.

• Heart disease- Patients with periodontal disease are two times more likely to contract heart disease and arterial narrowing.  Doctor’s believe that this may be caused by harmful bacteria and plaque entering the bloodstream through the gums. Studies suggest that periodontal disease is just as effective in causing heart disease as high cholesterol levels.
• Stroke risk (atherosclerosis)- If a patient has high levels of harmful disease-causing bacteria, it can cause the carotid artery to clog and increase the risk of strokes.
• Respiratory issues-  Bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and aggravate already present respiratory issues.
• Erectile dysfunction- Since bacteria travels through the bloodstream via absorption from the gums, it can block blood from flowing to the genital area. Studies show that men who have periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have erectile dysfunction.
• Diabetes- Diabetics experience a set of health issues, but studies indicated that about 95% of diabetics have periodontal disease because of their weakened immune systems.
• Bad Breath- Inadequate oral hygiene such as failing to keep up with brushing and flossing, can leave particles of food lodged in between your teeth.  Overtime these food particles well collect bacteria and secrete hydrogen sulfate, the same chemical given off by rotting eggs.

Peri-implantitis and Bacteria

Not all bacteria are harmful, and many actually help the body function properly.  For example, foods such as yogurt contain bacteria cultures that help the body digest food properly.  Furthermore, good bacteria can help combat harmful disease-causing cells. Infectious bacteria on the other hand, as stated above, can negatively affect your whole body. Peri-implantitis occurs in patients with dental implants and since it is relatively unknown and only recently studied, treatment for this disease is still under development. Plaque buildup poses a great risk for dental implant patients because once absorbed into the gums, inflammation will occur and subsequently travel down to the jawbone, gradually depleting the bone and loosening the anchor area of the implants.

A mild version of peri-implantitis, also referred to as peri-implant muscositis, is a treatable and common condition. The early stages of this condition are typically signaled by the onset of red gums and bleeding, especially when the gums are probed. It is important to mitigate a bacterial infection before it reaches peri-implantitis to preserve the purpose and function of dental implants.

Contact Dr. Keith Cooper in San Jose, CA

Peri-implantitis is a damaging disease to the oral and overall health of your body. Prevention is the best weapon against peri-implantitis disease. To help enhance your hygienic efforts, antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash can be used to help remove plaque and to help keep harmful bacteria at bay. For more information on dental implants or peri-implantitis, please contact us to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation today! We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get on the road to a healthier smile and life.