Peri-implantitis and the health of your dental implants

What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a form of peri-implant disease that affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant.

The condition is characterised by inflammation of the gums around the implant combined with progressive loss of supporting bone.

Peri-implant disease generally develops in two stages:

Peri-implant mucositis

Peri-implant mucositis is the earliest stage of peri-implant disease.

At this stage, inflammation affects only the soft tissues surrounding the implant. Patients may notice redness, swelling, or bleeding around the implant site.

With appropriate professional care and improved plaque control, peri-implant mucositis can often be successfully managed before permanent damage occurs.

Peri-implantitis

If peri-implant mucositis is left untreated, it may progress to peri-implantitis.

Peri-implantitis involves both inflammation of the surrounding tissues and loss of supporting bone around the implant. Over time, this may affect the stability and long-term success of the implant.

Early diagnosis is important because bone loss associated with peri-implantitis can become increasingly difficult to manage as the condition advances.

Signs and symptoms of peri-implant disease

Peri-implant disease does not always cause pain, particularly in its early stages.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Bleeding around the implant when brushing
• Swollen or inflamed gums around the implant
• Redness of the surrounding tissues
• Tenderness around the implant site
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus or discharge around the implant
• Gum recession around the implant
• Exposure of implant components
• Increasing implant mobility in advanced cases

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking professional advice can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is required.

What causes peri-implantitis?

The primary cause of peri-implantitis is bacterial plaque accumulation around the implant and surrounding tissues.

As bacteria accumulate, inflammation may develop, potentially affecting both the soft tissue and supporting bone.

Several factors may increase the risk of developing peri-implant disease, including:

• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Previous history of periodontal disease
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Irregular maintenance appointments
• Excess plaque accumulation
• Poorly controlled inflammation
• Certain implant or restorative factors

Often, multiple risk factors contribute to both the development and progression of the condition.

What happens if peri-implantitis is left untreated?

Without appropriate management, peri-implantitis may continue to progress over time.

Potential consequences include:

• Ongoing inflammation around the implant
• Progressive bone loss
• Gum recession
• Exposure of implant surfaces
• Reduced implant stability
• Functional difficulties
• Implant failure in advanced cases

Because lost bone support may be difficult to restore, early intervention is important whenever signs of peri-implant disease are identified.

Peri-implantitis treatment

The most appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the health of the surrounding tissues.

Management may involve:

• Professional implant cleaning
• Removal of plaque and bacterial deposits
• Personalised oral hygiene guidance
• Non-surgical peri-implant therapy
• Ongoing maintenance care
• Monitoring of implant health
• Advanced peri-implantitis treatment where appropriate

The primary goal is to control inflammation, reduce bacterial accumulation, preserve supporting tissues, and support the long-term stability of the implant.

Specialist care for peri-implantitis in London

Early identification of peri-implant disease provides the greatest opportunity to protect implant health and minimise long-term complications.

As a Specialist Periodontist who receives referrals for failing implants, Dr Menhadji diagnoses and manages peri-implant disease, including complex cases involving bone loss and advanced inflammation around dental implants.

Patients are often referred for assessment when peri-implantitis is suspected, symptoms persist despite routine care, or there are concerns regarding implant stability and long-term success.

Treatment focuses on achieving healthy, stable tissues and supporting the long-term health and function of dental implants.

Protect the health of your dental implants.

Early diagnosis and treatment may help preserve your implants and surrounding tissues.