Caused by mouth microbes, gum diseases are very common. They can present around teeth and dental implants, and they result in tooth/implant loss at the final stage.

So far, the cause of gum disease around implants is not fully understood. Also, little is known about the role of mouth bacteria and especially fungi around implants. The immune response could also play a role in the development of these diseases around implants.

Our goal is to identify mouth microbes (bacteria and fungi) that are important in gum heath. We also want to understand how bacteria and fungi talking to each other influence inflammation of the gums around implants. Saliva, dental plaque, and gum fluid will be collected once from people with healthy implants and people with diseased implants.

The plaque samples will be processed to isolate microbial DNA. The saliva samples will be analyzed for microbes’ by-products. Analysis of the gum fluid will show the role of immune response in gum disease around implants. Results from this study could assist in planning individual prevention or treatment options for gum disease around implants.

Panel Writeup

The impact of peri-implant diseases

Peri-implant disease, also known as gum disease around dental implants, is characterized by infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implants.

In the early stages – referred to as peri-implant mucositis – the gums around the implant are red, swollen and bleed easily. The prevalence of peri-implant mucositis among people with dental implants is estimated to be 46 per cent. The disease is fully treatable in the early stages.

In later stages – called peri-implantitis – the gums around the implant recede and the bone is reduced or completely lost. If left untreated, the implant can become loose and fall off. Twenty per cent of people with dental implants develop peri-implantitis. Treatment can be challenging and removal of the implant often the best option.

With more than five million people receiving dental implant treatment in North America, peri-implant disease is of major interest in modern dentistry.