You have a dental implant and your gum around it has swollen, reddened, perhaps even bled. This picture may describe peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is the infection that develops around a dental implant, progressively destroying the bone that supports it. It is the most serious long-term complication in implantology. According to studies, between 10 and 20% of implant patients develop it at ten years. And like periodontitis on a natural tooth, it is often silent until destruction is already significant.
Bacteria accumulate on the implant surface and at the implant-abutment connection, triggering an inflammatory response. Unlike natural teeth which benefit from a cushioning periodontal ligament, the implant is directly anchored in bone. When infection progresses, bone destruction is therefore often faster and more extensive.
Well-established risk factors: insufficient oral hygiene (primary cause), history of untreated periodontitis, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and bruxism. Peri-implantitis first manifests as peri-implant mucositis (reversible mucosal inflammation), which progresses if untreated. Identifying and treating mucositis is the most effective prevention.
Diagnosis relies on three elements: clinical probing (measuring pocket depth around the implant), bleeding on probing, and radiological analysis of bone loss.
For mucositis and early peri-implantitis, non-surgical treatment (mechanical implant surface decontamination, antiseptic irrigation, decontaminating laser) is often sufficient to stop progression.
For advanced peri-implantitis with significant bone loss, access surgery is necessary. It allows direct cleaning of the implant surface, resection of infected tissues, and in certain favorable defects, an attempt at partial bone regeneration.
Prevention of peri-implantitis begins the day of placement and never stops. The peri-implant maintenance program includes: thorough brushing twice daily, dental floss or interdental brush around the implant, oral irrigator as supplement, and regular check-up visits (every 6 months minimum).
A frequently misunderstood point: implants must be professionally cleaned like natural teeth. Scaling around implants uses specific instruments (plastic or titanium curettes) to avoid scratching the implant surface.
If you have any doubt about the condition of your implants, do not postpone the consultation. Peri-implantitis detected early is well treated. Advanced peri-implantitis can lead to implant loss.
If you present any of the signs described in this article (red and swollen gum around an implant, bleeding, pain, perceived mobility), consult promptly. Clinique Dentaire Longchamp CLD in Casablanca performs complete peri-implant assessments to evaluate the condition of your implants and offer adapted treatment.
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