What is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-Implantitis is an inflammatory disease that affects both the gum and the bone surrounding the implants. Just like teeth which can develop gun disease so can implants. Implants are also prone to disease that affect their attachment.

 Peri-mucositis is the swelling and bleeding around the implants but with no bone loss around the implants  but peri-implantitits is the same but with bone loss. The peri-mucositis is mainly known as an inflammations a result of a bacterial film under the and above the gum around the implants..and so improving the health and the control of the gum around the implants usually resolves the condition.


Peri-implantitis  is recognized with reddens, swelling, bleeding and even puss formation.If left untreated  then the bone loss can cause the implant to fail. Some patients who had had a history of gum disease and then had implants can be more susceptible to implant failure from peri-implantitis.

Dr Patel  said “Peri-Impantitis can be treated if it is recognized early and the appropriate treatment is offered.It is also so important that  all implant patienrts come regularly to have us check for any sign of these disease and  that they come at least every 6 months for a check of their teeth and implants.”

The treatment for the condition involves vigorously cleaning with special instruments and the placement of antibiotics and well as detailed education in keeping the gum around the implant as clean as possible. The hygienists have a very important role is also educating and keeping the gums around the implants very clean and this in the long term will enchance the life expectancy of the implants.

Dr Minesh Patel says; “keeping the tissues and gums around the neck of the implants are very important and we would like all implant patient to see the hygienist and the dentist regularly. I would like all implant patient to be confident in knowing how to keep the implant necks very clean with the use of floss, Tee Pee brushes and use or a manual or an electric toothbrush.''

When we feel that after rigorously cleaning and a good level of hygiene on the patients part, that we need to regenerate good hard gum that is resistant to bacterial ingress around the neck of the implant, then we would do a procedure where we can graft  or grow this gum.We have several option including taking a graft from your palate or even taking your own blood and creating a Plasma Rich Fibrin which would help grow the new type of gum.

Dr. Patel is one of the most highly qualified dentists in the UK. Contact Dr. Minesh Patel here or find out more about Dr Minesh Patel on implants here.