A growing concern among patients at our dental clinic in the Algarve is peri-implantitis, an inflammation that occurs around dental implants.
If not treated properly, it can lead to the loss of the implant. However, technological advances have brought less invasive and more effective options, such as laser therapy.
Contrary to what many people think, it is not always necessary to extract teeth and replace them with implants.
Today it is possible to save both teeth and implants!
With innovative treatments such as the WaterLase Biolaser, which uses an Erbium-Chromium laser, combined with the Airflow GBT technique (Guided Biofilm Therapy), we achieve surprising, satisfying results for our patients. Read on…
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammation that affects the tissues around a dental implant. It resembles periodontal disease, but it occurs around implants instead of natural teeth.
It is characterised by inflamed gums and progressive loss of the bone supporting the implant, which in advanced cases can lead to implant failure.
Causes of Peri-Implantitis
Several factors can contribute to peri-implantitis:
- Poor oral hygiene: Plaque building up around the implant can lead to inflammation and infection of the tissues.
- Smoking: Smoking impairs blood flow in the gums and reduces healing capacity, increasing the risk of infection.
- Previous gum disease: Patients with a history of gum disease are more likely to develop peri-implantitis.
- Excessive bite load: Excessive forces on the implant can cause micro-fractures in the surrounding bone, letting bacteria in and starting the inflammation.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, previous gum disease and even excessive bite load can all increase the risk.
Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis
- Bleeding gums: One of the first signs is bleeding around the implant, especially when brushing or flossing.
- Swelling and redness: The inflammation causes swelling and redness of the gums near the implant.
- Discomfort or pain: Sensitivity or pain when touched or when chewing can indicate underlying inflammation.
- Loose implant: In the most advanced cases, bone loss around the implant can make it loose, a sign of a severe stage of the disease.
What happens if it is not treated?
Without treatment, peri-implantitis can progress quickly, leading to loss of the bone that holds the implant. This threatens the stability of the implant and can also compromise aesthetics and oral function.
The key to successful treatment is early intervention and effective methods to control the inflammation and infection.
Laser Therapy: An Innovative Treatment for Peri-Implantitis
Laser therapy is an innovative approach to treating peri-implantitis, offering a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional methods.
Waterlase iPlus: Hydrokinetic Technology
Waterlase iPlus is an advanced dental tool that uses hydrokinetic technology. It combines the energy of an Erbium-Chromium YSGG laser with a water spray to treat peri-implantitis effectively and less invasively.
The laser and water together remove the inflamed tissue and decontaminate the area around the implant.
Hydrokinetic technology uses precise pulses of laser energy to cut and vaporise the affected tissue, while the water spray keeps the area hydrated. This reduces the heat generated during the procedure, minimising discomfort and protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. It is especially useful in sensitive, hard-to-reach areas.
As well as removing bacteria and inflamed tissue, Waterlase iPlus promotes the natural regeneration of bone and soft tissue around the implant.
This minimally invasive, virtually painless technique reduces the need for surgery, offering effective treatment of peri-implantitis with a faster recovery.
Read also: How was peri-implantitis treated before the laser?
Historically, peri-implantitis was treated with traditional methods such as mechanical cleaning, antimicrobial agents and, in more advanced cases, surgery. These approaches focused on removing plaque and inflamed tissue and disinfecting the implant surface. Although they can be effective, they have some limitations.
Mechanical cleaning with curettes and ultrasound is a common method. But it can be uncomfortable and does not always remove all the bacterial deposits on the implant surface, especially in hard-to-reach areas. There is also a risk of damaging the implant surface, which can affect its integration with the bone.
In more serious cases with significant bone loss, regenerative surgery may be needed. This involves removing the inflamed tissue and trying to regenerate the lost bone with graft materials. However, it is an invasive procedure with a considerable recovery time, and it does not always guarantee full regeneration.
Although these options have been widely used, advances in dental technology have brought new, less invasive and potentially more effective alternatives. Laser therapy is one of them, offering an innovative way to treat peri-implantitis more efficiently and comfortably.
AirFlow + WaterLase: Two Techniques for a Better Result
To optimise the results of peri-implantitis treatment, combining Waterlase laser therapy with Airflow GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) has proved highly effective.
AirFlow is a professional cleaning method that uses a mix of air, water and fine particles to remove plaque and surface stains from teeth and implants.
Combined with laser treatment, it gives a more complete, deeper decontamination of the affected areas.
How Do AirFlow and the Laser Work Together?
First, AirFlow removes bacterial biofilm and debris from the implant surface and surrounding gums.
This step is quick, painless and minimally invasive, and especially effective in hard-to-reach areas. Using AirFlow before the laser gives an efficient initial clean and prepares the site for the laser.
Then comes laser therapy with Waterlase iPlus. The laser complements the AirFlow by deeply disinfecting the area and removing any remaining bacteria.
The laser energy also promotes tissue regeneration and healing, for a more complete and lasting solution to peri-implantitis.
Advantages of the Combined Approach
Using AirFlow and the laser together maximises the effectiveness of peri-implantitis treatment. Some advantages:
- Deep cleaning: AirFlow efficiently removes plaque, while the laser disinfects in depth and stimulates bone and tissue regeneration.
- Lower risk of recurrence: The combined approach significantly reduces the chances of the infection coming back, for longer-lasting results.
- Less invasive: The technique is less invasive than traditional surgical methods, offering a more comfortable experience.
- Faster recovery: Patients benefit from a shorter recovery time and less pain after the procedure.
- Lower risk of complications: Using the laser and AirFlow together reduces the risks of peri-implantitis treatment, making it a safe option to preserve implants and oral health.
🦷 Related treatments at Atelier do Sorriso: Dental Implants · Immediate Load Implants
Laser Therapy Can Save Your Teeth!
For many patients, the idea of saving their teeth and avoiding complete replacement with implants is a relief.
Laser therapy has become a revolutionary way to preserve teeth and implants affected by peri-implantitis. Previously, patients with this condition had few options other than removing the implant or neighbouring teeth. Now, thanks to the laser, it is possible to reverse the damage and avoid more invasive procedures.
Laser treatment focuses on regenerating and repairing the tissues, including rebuilding the bone around the implant. This means that even in advanced cases with bone loss, the laser can create an environment that favours natural bone regeneration. Instead of removing the affected teeth or implants, the laser lets the area heal and strengthen, restoring stability and function.
Laser therapy offers a modern, efficient alternative that prioritises keeping your teeth whenever possible.
Book an Appointment and Save Your Smile!
Do not wait for the condition to progress. Early treatment can make all the difference in protecting your teeth and implants.
If you are worried about symptoms of peri-implantitis or want to know how laser therapy can help preserve your teeth, Atelier do Sorriso is here to help. A healthy smile is essential for your well-being and self-esteem, and we believe excellent results are possible with today’s dental technology.
📍 Address: Rua João de Deus, Lote 1C, Almancil, Algarve (See on Maps)