Peri-Implantitis Treatment
Dental implants are one of the most successful and predictable ways to replace missing teeth. However, like natural teeth, they require healthy surrounding bone and gum tissue. When inflammation develops around an implant and progresses to bone loss, the condition is called peri-implantitis. Without proper treatment, the infection can worsen and threaten the stability of the implant.
At Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating peri-implantitis using the latest regenerative, antimicrobial, and surgical techniques to preserve your implant — and restore the health of the surrounding tissue.
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gum tissue and bone that support a dental implant. It is similar to advanced periodontal disease, but specific to implants.
Two Forms of Implant Infection
- Peri-implant mucositis: Inflammation limited to the soft tissues around an implant; reversible with early treatment.
- Peri-implantitis: Inflammation with progressive bone loss around the implant; requires professional intervention.
Both conditions require prompt evaluation to prevent further damage.
Signs and Symptoms
You may not experience pain at first, making early detection critical. Common symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums near the implant
- Bleeding when brushing or during hygiene visits
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste
- Pus or drainage around the implant
- Deepening pockets around the implant
- Receding tissue or visible threads on the implant
- Loose-feeling implant or shifting prosthetic components
If you notice any of these changes, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
What Causes Peri-Implantitis?
Several factors can contribute to inflammation or infection around an implant:
Biological Factors
- Poor oral hygiene
- Residual cement from crowns
- Smoking or vaping
- Diabetes or reduced healing ability
- History of periodontal disease
Mechanical Factors
- Improper implant positioning
- Overload or bite stress
- Ill-fitting prosthetics
- Excessive movement during healing
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the root cause and guides proper treatment.
How We Diagnose Peri-Implantitis
A thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation is performed to assess the health of your implant and surrounding tissue.
Diagnosis may include:
- Measuring pocket depths around the implant
- Identifying bleeding or suppuration
- Evaluating gum recession or exposed implant surfaces
- Digital X-rays to assess bone loss
- Checking mobility or prosthetic fit
The earlier the condition is detected, the more predictable the treatment outcome.
Treatment Options for Peri-Implantitis
Our approach is personalized and aims to eliminate infection, regenerate lost bone when possible, and restore long-term implant stability.
Non-Surgical Treatments (Early Stage)
- Mechanical decontamination of implant surfaces
- Air-powder therapy with glycine or erythritol
- Targeted antimicrobial irrigation
- Laser-assisted decontamination
- Systemic or local antibiotics
- Occlusal (bite) adjustments to reduce excessive force
These therapies help control inflammation but may not reverse bone loss.
Surgical Regeneration (Moderate to Advanced Cases)
When bone loss occurs, surgical intervention is often necessary.
Procedures May Include:
Open Flap Debridement
The tissue is gently lifted to allow thorough cleaning of the implant surface.
Implant Surface Decontamination
Special instruments, lasers, or chemical agents remove bacterial biofilm.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)
Bone grafts and membranes are placed to rebuild lost bone around the implant.
Biologic Materials (e.g., growth factors, Emdogain®, GEM 21S®)
Used to enhance healing and improve the predictability of regeneration.
Apically Positioned Flap or Soft-Tissue Grafting
Improves tissue thickness and reduces pocket depth around the implant.
When Implant Removal Is Necessary
If an implant loses too much bone or becomes mobile, removal may be the healthiest option. After healing and regeneration, a new implant may often be placed later — usually with excellent long-term success.
Post-Treatment Care & Home Care
Healing from peri-implantitis treatment varies based on the procedure performed.
You may be advised to:
- Avoid brushing the surgical site initially
- Use antimicrobial rinses as prescribed
- Follow a soft diet temporarily
- Avoid smoking or vaping entirely
- Maintain meticulous home care
- Attend all follow-up visits for monitoring
Proper care is essential to stabilizing the implant and preventing future infection.
Long-Term Management & Prevention
Once peri-implantitis has been treated, ongoing maintenance is crucial.
You may require:
- Implant-specific cleanings every 3–4 months
- Regular monitoring of bone levels
- Professional removal of hard-to-reach plaque around the implant
- Screening for prosthesis fit, bite alignment, or cement retention
This preventive care protects your investment and ensures long-term implant success.
FAQs
Can peri-implantitis be reversed?
Early peri-implant mucositis can often be reversed. Advanced peri-implantitis requires professional treatment and sometimes regenerative surgery.
Will I lose my implant?
Many implants can be saved with prompt, comprehensive treatment. Severe bone loss may require removal.
Does treatment hurt?
Treatment is performed with local anesthesia, with sedation options available for comfort.
Is peri-implantitis common?
It affects a significant percentage of implants, especially when home care or maintenance visits are inconsistent.
If you notice bleeding, swelling, or other changes around your dental implant, early treatment is essential.
Contact Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to schedule your peri-implant evaluation.