INFECTION AROUND AN IMPLANT DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN REMOVAL
Peri-implantitis can silently destroy the bone supporting a dental implant. Early diagnosis may create more opportunities to preserve it.
WHAT IS PERI-IMPLANTITIS?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the gum and bone around an implant. Bacterial biofilm develops below the gumline, and supporting bone may recede even when the implant crown still looks normal.
Unlike a natural tooth, an implant does not have a periodontal ligament. Infection and heavy bite forces can therefore progress differently and require implant-specific diagnosis and care.
CHANGES TO WATCH FOR
- Bleeding around the implant
- Redness, swelling or tenderness
- Pus, drainage or a bad taste
- Recession or exposed implant threads
- Bone loss on current imaging
NOT EVERY IMPLANT PROBLEM IS THE SAME
LOOSE CROWN OR SCREW
Movement may come from the restoration rather than the implant fixture itself.
SOFT-TISSUE INFLAMMATION
Inflammation without advanced bone loss may be managed differently from peri-implantitis.
STRUCTURAL BONE LOSS
The remaining bone, implant position and stability determine whether preservation is reasonable.
A PLAN BUILT AROUND THE IMPLANT’S PROGNOSIS
Care may include hygiene modification, bite adjustment, decontamination, LAPIP laser therapy, regenerative procedures or removal when the implant cannot predictably be stabilized. The correct recommendation depends on a complete examination.
START WITH A CLEAR DIAGNOSIS
Request an implant evaluation before additional supporting bone is lost.