Implant Complications

What Is Implant Disease? (Peri-Implantitis)

Different techniques are used for treatment, depending on the extent of disease and specific patient related factors that may be at play. The initial steps of treatment, however, are the same. The area that is receiving treatment will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. After we ensure you are comfortable, we will make small incisions at the surgical site and gently move the gums out of the way. The implant surface is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. If there are areas of bone loss that can be predictably repaired with a bone graft, these materials are prepared and placed. Otherwise, the bone is adjusted and smoothed to remove irregularities and improve overall bone health. A laser or other materials may be used during treatment as an additional tool to help clean the root surfaces, eliminate bacteria, and reduce inflammation. The gums are replaced and secured with stitches. Surgical treatment may result in recession, leaving the underlying metal implant parts visible.

We offer multiple sedation options for surgical procedures, if needed.

Graft Materials (if necessary)

Bone graft materials are obtained in several ways, most often from cows, pigs, or human cadavers. The donors have no positive history of known systemic disease, and blood tests are negative for any infections. The grafts are extensively tested for bacterial contaminants and processed under strict laboratory conditions known to kill all bacteria and viruses, under experimental conditions. The graft material is placed in a vacuum-sealed sterile container until it is ready to be opened during surgery. All materials used are FDA approved.

During the procedure, we also draw a small amount of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate out all the good growth factors that your body naturally produces. We mix those growth factors in with the bone graft before placing it in the socket. This additional step helps to significantly enhance healing.

Treatment Timeline

Visit 1: Consult & Exam

Review of health history and determine diagnosis
Full periodontal charting completed
Review recommended treatment plan and answer all questions

Visit 2: Peri-implantitis surgery

Sedation (optional) and local anesthesia
Completion of surgical procedure to treat implant disease
Review post-op instructions and care

Visit 3: Post-op (3 weeks)

Check the area for normal healing
Remove sutures
Review and update home care instructions
Additional post-op appointments may be scheduled as necessary, based on healing
‍Note: You may not see the doctor at your post-op appointment, but they are always available to answer any question if you need. Do not hesitate to ask!