Reading time: three minutes.Dental implants are designed to last for decades, but they are not immune to problems. Just like natural teeth, gum disease can develop around implants. This condition is known as peri-implantitis and it can threaten the stability of the implant if left untreated. Here is what every implant patient needs to know to protect their investment and oral health.
Table of Contents
- What Is Peri-Implantitis?
- Peri-Implantitis Treatment
- How to Protect Dental Implants from Infection
- Protect Your Implant Investment
- FAQs
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting a dental implant. It begins when plaque and food particles build up around the implant, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Over time, the infection can cause bone loss, gum recession, and eventually loosen the implant.
Unlike natural teeth, implants do not have a protective ligament connecting them to bone. This makes it easier for bacteria to spread directly into the supporting tissue and cause periodontal disease.
Early Signs of Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis often begins with mild irritation that can be easy to overlook. However, once bone loss starts, the infection can progress quickly. Recognizing early symptoms helps protect your implant and surrounding tissue.
- Bleeding around the implant: Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing near the implant are often the first sign of inflammation.
- Swelling or redness: Puffy or tender gums indicate bacterial buildup.
- Persistent bad taste or odor: Infection can produce a foul taste or smell that does not go away with mouthwash.
- Receding gums or visible implant threads: Gum recession exposes the implant surface and makes cleaning difficult.
- Loose or shifting implant: This is a late-stage symptom that requires urgent treatment from an oral surgeon or periodontist.
Treating peri-implantitis early helps stop infection before it affects the surrounding bone and tissue. Timely care preserves the stability of the implant and supports the long-term health of your smile.
Peri-Implantitis Treatment
Treating peri-implantitis often involves a collaborative approach between the oral surgeon and a periodontist. When patients visit Oral Facial & Implant Specialists with signs of infection around an implant, a thorough evaluation is performed to determine the extent of tissue and bone involvement.
If active gum infection is present, patients are typically referred to a trusted periodontist for specialized care. Treatment may include laser therapy to remove bacteria, gum grafting to restore healthy tissue, or bone grafting to rebuild support around the implant.
Once the infection is controlled, the oral surgeon reassesses the implant’s stability. If the implant has been compromised, it may be restored, replaced, or removed depending on bone health and healing progress.
This coordinated approach ensures that both the soft tissue and supporting bone are properly treated, helping to preserve oral health and restore function.
How to Protect Dental Implants from Infection
Good daily habits and regular professional care are the best ways to prevent infection around dental implants.
- Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean along the gumline and around all implant surfaces.
- Clean between teeth: Use implant-safe floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to remove debris where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking and other tobacco products slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Schedule regular cleanings: Professional cleanings every six months help remove hardened plaque and keep the gums healthy.
- Monitor implant health: Routine X-rays and checkups allow your oral surgeon to track bone stability and identify early signs of peri-implantitis.
Protect Your Implant Investment
Peri-implantitis is a serious but manageable condition when addressed early. With careful evaluation, coordinated treatment, and consistent home care, most patients can preserve their dental implants and avoid further complications.
If you have concerns about a dental implant, book a consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL. We welcome patients seeking a second opinion and can provide a thorough evaluation to help you understand your treatment options with confidence.
FAQs
Infection around a dental implant can develop long after placement if bacteria accumulate beneath the gumline. Even well-healed implants require consistent home care and professional maintenance to keep the surrounding tissue and bone healthy.
Early signs include redness, swelling, or bleeding around the implant. As the infection progresses, you may notice tenderness, a persistent bad taste, gum recession, or loosening of the implant. Any of these symptoms should be evaluated promptly to prevent implant failure.
Dental implants themselves do not cause gum disease, but bacteria can accumulate around them just as they do around natural teeth. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, this can lead to peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that affects the tissue and bone supporting the implant.
The most common cause of implant failure is infection from poor oral hygiene or untreated peri-implantitis. Other factors, such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or excessive stress on the implant, can also contribute to complications over time.
If you are searching for an implant specialist near Deer Park, Barrington, or the Greater Chicago area, contact Oral Facial & Implant Specialists. Our experienced surgeons provide advanced peri-implantitis treatment, bone grafting, and full dental implant surgery to restore oral health and function.
