What does “Peri-implantitis” mean?
Peri-implantitis is a disease involving inflammation of soft tissues around an implant and loss of the bone supporting it.
Assessing gum inflammation and bone loss together
Bleeding, pus, or deepened pockets may be found during examination. Absence of pain does not reliably exclude disease. Gum findings and radiographs are compared with earlier records to assess the pattern and progression of bone loss.
Risk factors assessed before treatment
Plaque, hard-to-clean prosthesis contours, and excess cement are checked. Previous periodontal disease, smoking, and oral hygiene also affect the care plan. Screw loosening and peri-implantitis are separate problems but may coexist, so connectors are examined too.
Staged treatment
Hygiene care and professional deposit removal are performed first and the response assessed. Persistent inflammation and deep pockets may lead to consideration of access surgery or regenerative or resective treatment suited to the defect. Severely compromised support may require removal, so not every case receives the same treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does peri-implantitis always require implant removal?
No. Inflammation extent, remaining bone, implant stability, and cleanability are assessed to choose preservation treatment or removal.
Can medication or mouthwash alone treat it?
Plaque and deposit removal and improved cleanability are fundamental. Additional care depends on the condition; medication or mouthwash alone cannot resolve all causes and bone-loss problems.
Questions about peri-implantitis
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
How extensive are bone loss and inflammation?
Explanation and evidencePrevious records and current gum and imaging examinations are assessed together to judge progression.
European Federation of Periodontology · Peri-implant Diseases - A choice suited to your condition
What is reassessed after initial treatment?
Explanation and evidenceChanges in bleeding, pus, and pockets are checked; persistent inflammation determines the extent of further treatment.
European Federation of Periodontology · Peri-implant Disease Treatment
