Dental implants have transformed the way missing teeth are replaced, providing a long-lasting and highly successful solution for many patients. While implants are designed to be durable, they are not immune to disease.
One of the most serious complications affecting dental implants is peri-implantitis, a condition that causes inflammation, infection and bone loss around an implant. Left untreated, it can ultimately lead to implant failure.
The good news is that early diagnosis and specialist treatment can often help save an affected implant.
At Pure Periodontics in the City of London, Dr Neesha Patel and her team regularly treat patients with peri-implant disease. As Clinical Director of Pure Periodontics and former Consultant Periodontist at King’s College Hospital, London, Dr Patel has extensive experience managing complex periodontal and implant-related conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explain what peri-implantitis is, how to recognise the warning signs and the treatment options available to help protect your dental implant.
WHAT IS PERI-IMPLANTITIS?
Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant.
In many ways, it resembles advanced gum disease around natural teeth. The infection causes inflammation of the gums and gradual destruction of the supporting bone around the implant.
As bone is lost, the implant becomes less stable. Without treatment, the implant may eventually loosen and fail.
Peri-implantitis is different from peri-implant mucositis, which is an earlier and more reversible stage of disease.
Peri-implant mucositis involves inflammation of the soft tissues around the implant but does not involve bone loss. If identified early, it can often be managed before progressing to peri-implantitis.
WHY DOES PERI-IMPLANTITIS HAPPEN?
Peri-implantitis develops when harmful bacteria accumulate around the implant surface and beneath the surrounding gum tissue.
Several factors can increase the risk, including:
- Previous gum disease
- Inadequate plaque control
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poorly fitting restorations
- Excess cement around implants
- Irregular maintenance appointments
- Genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease
Patients who have previously experienced periodontitis are often at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis later.
This is one reason why ongoing specialist monitoring is so important following implant treatment.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF A FAILING DENTAL IMPLANT?
One of the challenges with peri-implantitis is that it can develop gradually and often causes very few symptoms during its early stages.
Common warning signs include:
- Bleeding around the implant
- Red or swollen gums
- Tenderness when cleaning
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus around the implant site
- Gum recession around the implant
- Changes in appearance of the implant crown
- Increasing pocket depths around the implant
- Loosening of the implant in advanced cases
Many patients are surprised to learn that an implant can appear healthy while significant bone loss is occurring beneath the surface.
This is why routine examinations and implant maintenance appointments play such an important role in long-term implant success.
HOW IS PERI-IMPLANTITIS DIAGNOSED?
Accurate diagnosis is essential.
At Pure Periodontics, patients undergo a detailed assessment that may include:
- Examination of the gums surrounding the implant
- Measurement of pocket depths
- Assessment of bleeding and inflammation
- X-rays to evaluate bone levels
- Review of implant design and restoration
These investigations help determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment planning.
As a peri implantitis specialist in London, Dr Patel carefully evaluates each case to identify both the cause of the problem and the most effective treatment strategy.
CAN A FAILING DENTAL IMPLANT BE SAVED?
This is often the first question patients ask.
In many cases, yes.
The earlier peri-implantitis is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of preserving the implant.
Successful treatment focuses on eliminating infection, reducing inflammation and preventing further bone loss.
However, the extent of damage already present will influence the prognosis.
Some implants respond very well to treatment, while others may have experienced too much bone loss to be predictably maintained long term.
This is why early intervention is so important.
WHAT DOES PERI-IMPLANTITIS TREATMENT INVOLVE?
Peri implantitis treatment in London can vary depending on the severity of the disease.
1. PROFESSIONAL DECONTAMINATION
The first step is removing bacterial deposits from the implant surface.
Unlike natural teeth, implants have a complex surface texture that can make cleaning more challenging. Specialist techniques are often required to thoroughly disinfect the affected area.
2. MANAGEMENT OF INFLAMMATION
Reducing inflammation helps create a healthier environment around the implant and supports healing.
The surrounding tissues are carefully assessed and treated to encourage recovery.
3. LASER-ASSISTED THERAPY
In some cases, advanced technologies such as laser treatment may be used to help disinfect the implant surface and reduce bacterial contamination.
At Pure Periodontics, laser technology can form part of a comprehensive treatment approach for selected patients.
4. REGENERATIVE TREATMENT
Where significant bone loss has occurred, regenerative procedures may be considered.
These treatments aim to rebuild lost supporting structures and improve the long-term stability of the implant.
Not every case is suitable for regeneration, but advances in periodontal treatment mean that many patients now have options that were not available in the past.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS TREATMENT?
Success depends on several factors, including:
- How early the disease is detected
- The amount of bone loss present
- Patient compliance with maintenance
- Smoking status
- Overall health
- Implant position and design
When treated early, many implants can remain healthy and functional for years to come.
Dr Patel often explains that peri-implantitis should be viewed much like gum disease around natural teeth. While it requires careful management, prompt intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PERI-IMPLANTITIS?
Prevention is always preferable to treatment.
Patients with dental implants should:
- Maintain excellent daily oral hygiene
- Attend regular maintenance appointments
- Have implants professionally monitored
- Seek advice if bleeding occurs around an implant
- Avoid delaying treatment when symptoms appear
Even implants that have functioned successfully for many years can develop problems if regular maintenance is neglected.
Ongoing professional care remains one of the most important factors in long-term implant success.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A SPECIALIST?
If you notice bleeding, swelling, discomfort or changes around a dental implant, it is important not to ignore these symptoms.
Peri-implantitis rarely improves on its own and early treatment can make a significant difference to the outcome.
As a specialist periodontal practice, Pure Periodontics provides advanced diagnosis and peri implantitis treatment for patients with both early and advanced implant complications.
With extensive experience in periodontal and implant care, Dr Neesha Patel and her team help patients understand their options and take proactive steps to protect their investment in their oral health.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Peri-implantitis is a serious condition, but it does not automatically mean a dental implant will be lost.
With early diagnosis, specialist care and appropriate treatment, many affected implants can be successfully stabilised and maintained.
If you have concerns about bleeding, swelling or bone loss around an implant, seeking advice from a peri implantitis specialist in London can provide clarity, reassurance and the best chance of preserving your implant for the future.