Peri-Implantitis Treatment
 Peri-implantitis is a serious condition that can compromise the stability and longevity of dental implants. As a progressive inflammatory disease affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding implants, timely identification and appropriate treatment are essential. At Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we specialize in both non-surgical and surgical solutions for managing dental implant infections and promoting long-term implant health.
What is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an advanced form of implant gum disease characterized by inflammation, infection, and progressive bone loss around a dental implant. This condition typically starts as peri-implant mucositis—a reversible inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can advance into peri-implantitis, which includes irreversible bone destruction.
Statistics show that while dental implants have a high success rate, approximately 10% to 20% of implants may be affected by peri-implantitis. The primary culprits are bacterial biofilms and plaque buildup, which trigger the body’s inflammatory response and gradually erode the supporting bone.
Timely diagnosis is crucial. Without early intervention, patients risk implant failure and the need for more extensive and costly treatments.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding the underlying causes and contributing factors of peri-implantitis is key to prevention. The condition is often multifactorial and may result from behavioral, medical, or procedural variables.
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Poor Oral Hygiene - Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate around the implant.
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Smoking - Reduces blood flow and impairs gum healing, increasing infection risk.
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History of Periodontitis - Patients with past gum disease are more prone to peri-implantitis.
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Systemic Conditions - Diseases such as diabetes can impair immune response and tissue healing.
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Implant Design or Placement Issues - Misaligned or poorly placed implants are harder to clean and more susceptible to inflammation.
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Lack of Maintenance - Skipping routine dental visits can allow early issues to go unnoticed. |
For example, a patient with untreated chronic periodontitis who received implants without proper risk management may develop peri-implantitis due to residual bacteria and compromised tissue health.
Signs and Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis
Recognizing the early signs of peri-implantitis can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Symptoms may be subtle at first, but they typically worsen without intervention.
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Red or Swollen Gums - Persistent inflammation around the implant.
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Bleeding on Brushing or Probing - Often an early sign of gum infection.
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Pus Discharge - Indicates an active infection beneath the gumline.
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Deep Peri-Implant Pockets - Measured during dental exams to assess severity.
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Radiographic Bone Loss - Visible on X-rays as reduced bone height around the implant.
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Implant Loosening - In severe cases, the implant may become mobile. |
Many patients overlook these symptoms, mistaking them for minor irritation. However, prompt evaluation is essential to prevent irreversible damage.
Diagnosis and Assessment Process
To confirm a diagnosis of peri-implantitis, dental professionals use a combination of clinical and radiographic tools.
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Clinical Examination - Inspection of soft tissue for redness, swelling, or pus.
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Probing and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) - Helps identify pocket depth and inflammation.
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Radiographic Imaging - Detects bone loss surrounding the implant.
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Microbial Testing - In complex cases, helps identify specific bacterial strains. |
Routine dental visits enable early detection of subtle changes, and modern imaging technology allows for precise tracking of bone stability over time.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For early to moderate cases, non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment may be sufficient. These methods aim to control infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent disease progression.
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Mechanical Debridement - Thorough cleaning of implant surfaces to remove plaque and calculus.
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Antibacterial Rinses and Gels - Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide-based products may be prescribed.
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Localized Antibiotic Therapy - Minocycline or doxycycline applied directly to infected areas.
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Laser Therapy (e.g., Er:YAG) - Effectively disinfects without damaging implant surfaces.
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Hygiene Instruction - Education on proper brushing, flossing, and adjunct tools like interdental brushes. |
Laser therapy has emerged as a promising modality, offering minimally invasive decontamination of infected implant surfaces.
Surgical Treatment Options
Advanced or unresponsive peri-implantitis often necessitates surgical intervention. These procedures aim to access deeper areas, regenerate lost bone, or in some cases, remove the failing implant.
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Flap Surgery - Lifts the gum tissue to allow thorough debridement and detoxification.
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Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) - Promotes regrowth of lost bone using grafts and membranes.
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Implantoplasty - Smooths and reshapes exposed implant surfaces to reduce bacterial retention.
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Implant Removal - Considered when the infection is severe and the implant is no longer viable. |
While surgical procedures are more invasive, early action can lead to high success rates and preserve oral health.
Long-Term Management and Prevention
After treatment, ongoing maintenance is vital to prevent recurrence of peri-implantitis. Patients must commit to a customized care plan based on their individual risk profile.
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Routine Cleanings - Professional maintenance visits every 3–6 months.
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Improved At-Home Hygiene - Use of interdental brushes, soft-bristle toothbrushes, and water flossers.
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Lifestyle Adjustments - Smoking cessation and controlling conditions like diabetes.
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Personalized Risk Assessment - Ongoing evaluations help tailor care to patient needs. |
A consistent hygiene routine significantly improves implant longevity, as evidenced by patients who maintain inflammation-free implants for decades.
When to Seek Treatment
Peri-implantitis does not resolve on its own. The longer it is left untreated, the more complex and costly the treatment becomes.
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Immediate Care - Seek help at the first signs of swelling, bleeding, or discomfort.
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Specialist Evaluation - A periodontist or implant specialist offers the best prognosis.
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Avoiding Delays - Early action can preserve the implant and minimize surgical needs. |
Patients experiencing any symptoms of implant gum disease should contact Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry promptly for a thorough evaluation.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re concerned about a possible dental implant infection or need expert care for peri-implantitis treatment, our dental team is here to help. We offer evidence-based non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your needs. Call 508-996-3131 to schedule your consultation and protect your oral investment.
FAQs
What is peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is a condition where inflammation and infection develop around a dental implant, leading to bone loss. It is more severe than peri-implant mucositis, which only involves soft tissue inflammation without bone loss.
What causes peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis can be caused by poor oral hygiene, a history of periodontal disease, smoking, systemic health issues such as diabetes, and improper implant placement or lack of professional maintenance.
Can peri-implantitis be cured?
While peri-implantitis cannot always be completely cured, especially in advanced cases, it can be managed successfully through non-surgical or surgical treatments that control infection and preserve implant function.
What are the first signs of implant infection?
Early signs of implant infection include swollen or bleeding gums around the implant, discomfort when brushing, and occasional pus discharge. If left untreated, bone loss and implant mobility may develop.
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