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Peri-implantitis treatment
Bleeding, swelling or discomfort around an implant should be assessed by a dentist. Treatment depends on the inflammation and the condition of the supporting tissues.
Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the gum around an implant with loss of the bone that holds it. Treatment is staged: removing the cause, professional cleaning and, if needed, a surgical phase.
Key facts
- Signs
- Bleeding, swelling, pus, gum recession
- Diagnosis
- Gentle probing and an intraoral X-ray
- Early stage
- Mucositis: no bone loss, can be reversed
- Treatment
- Removing the cause, non-surgical cleaning, surgery if needed
- Risk factors
- History of periodontitis, smoking, poor hygiene, diabetes
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Have another question?
In mucositis the inflammation is limited to the gum: there is bleeding on probing, sometimes redness and swelling, but no bone loss, and with timely care it can be reversed. In peri-implantitis the inflammation is accompanied by ongoing loss of the bone that supports the implant. Not every case of mucositis turns into peri-implantitis, but mucositis is considered its forerunner and a risk factor.
Yes. An implant has no nerve of its own, so pain often comes late. In the early stage the main sign is bleeding when brushing or probing. Bone loss can progress without pain for a long time, so even if you have no complaints it is important not to skip planned check-ups and, when needed, X-ray monitoring.
First, conditions are created so that plaque can be cleaned away easily: the crown shape is corrected, excess cement is removed and you are shown a personal cleaning technique. Then the implant and abutment surfaces are cleaned with professional instruments, antiseptics are added if needed, and the situation is reassessed. If inflammation continues and there is bone loss, surgical cleaning is done by opening the gum.
No. The decision depends on how much bone has been lost, the shape of the defect, how stable the implant is and how well the area can be cleaned. Removal is discussed only when repair is not possible. Inflammation caught early can often be controlled without losing the implant, so if you notice bleeding or swelling it is better not to wait and to come for an examination.
With some defect shapes, regenerative methods aim to restore part of the bone, but this is not possible in every case and the result varies from person to person. More often the realistic goal is to stop the process and stabilise the situation. It has not yet been proven which treatment method works best, so the plan is tailored to you and the result is followed up with repeat examinations.
Clean around the implant every day with interdental brushes, super floss or a water flosser, and come for professional cleaning and check-ups at the interval your dentist sets. Stopping smoking, keeping diabetes under control and treating periodontitis all lower the risk. No treatment comes with a full guarantee, but early action makes the situation much easier to manage.
STEP BY STEP
From first visit to a new smile.
Knowing what comes next helps you feel more at ease.
STEP 01 / 04
Meet and examine
At your first visit, we discuss your health, expectations and questions. An examination and, when needed, 3D imaging help us assess your starting point.
We listen
We listen to your wishes and assess your oral health.
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YOUR FIRST STEP
Let’s talk about your smile.
Ask your questions and let’s plan a convenient appointment together.