April 12, 2026, 4:24 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
A dental implant is intended to provide stability and freedom from discomfort. However, instead of the anticipated relief, itching, bleeding, or swelling can suddenly occur. These symptoms often indicate an inflammation around the implant, which can develop unnoticed and progress faster than in a natural tooth. It’s crucial to counteract early. With proper care and regular check-ups, the risk can be significantly reduced.
How to Prevent Inflammation Around Implants
The most effective protection against peri-implantitis is consistent oral hygiene. Implants must be thoroughly cleaned daily, as bacterial deposits can otherwise settle and trigger inflammation. In addition to regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth is crucial, using tools such as interdental brushes or dental floss.
Regular check-ups at the dentist’s office are equally important. Early changes can be detected before they develop into serious inflammation. Additionally, professional dental and implant cleaning helps remove stubborn deposits that are often not fully reached in daily care.
Lifestyle also affects the risk. Smoking is considered one of the most significant risk factors, as it greatly promotes the development of inflammation. Those who abstain protect not only their overall health but also the stability of the implant.
Moreover, it’s crucial to tailor care individually. Depending on the position and structure of the implant, different tools may be useful. Targeted guidance at the dentist’s office helps avoid mistakes in cleaning.1
What Lies Behind Peri-Implantitis
Classic dental diseases like cavities do not affect implants. However, artificial tooth roots can become diseased. In peri-implantitis, the tissue around the implant becomes inflamed. Initially, the gums and mucous membrane are affected, and as it progresses, the jawbone can also be compromised.
The disease usually arises from bacteria settling in dental plaque. Similar to periodontitis, the inflammation spreads if these deposits are not removed. The problem: Implants lack a natural protective mechanism, which is why inflammation often spreads deeper here.2
The Precursor: Mucositis
In many cases, the disease begins with peri-implant mucositis. Here, only the mucous membrane is inflamed, and the bone is not yet affected. At this stage, the inflammation can usually be treated effectively.
If left undetected, it can progress to peri-implantitis, where the bone is also damaged.
Typical Symptoms: Often Long Unnoticed
Peri-implantitis often goes unnoticed for a long time because it initially causes no pain. According to dentist Jochen Schmidt from Cologne’s Carree Dental, the inflammation can manifest as itching.
Other possible signs include swelling, bleeding, and unpleasant breath. Red or sensitive gums, gum recession, or an unpleasant taste can also occur. In advanced stages, pus formation, pain, and loosening of the implant are possible.
Since pain often sets in late, the disease is frequently only recognized when damage to the jawbone has already occurred.3
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Causes and Risk Factors
The most common cause of peri-implantitis is inadequate oral hygiene. If bacterial deposits on the implant and between the teeth are not regularly removed, they can trigger inflammation and spread increasingly. Additionally, there are other factors that increase the risk, such as stress and hormonal changes. Diseases like diabetes or osteoporosis can also play a role, as can the use of certain medications.
There is also an increased risk for patients who have previously suffered from periodontitis. Mechanical influences like teeth grinding, improper chewing pressure, or an unfavorable implant position can further exacerbate the situation. Hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean daily, as well as residual cement under the crown that can irritate the tissue long-term, are also problematic. Missed check-up appointments contribute to the unnoticed progression of inflammation.
Diagnosis: Early Detection is Key
Since the disease often progresses without pain, dental check-ups play a central role. In practice, the depth of gum pockets is measured and checked for bleeding upon contact.
An X-ray also provides important clues as to whether bone around the implant has already been lost. Only through this combination can the disease be accurately assessed.
As Always: The Earlier, the Better
The treatment depends on the stage of the inflammation. In early phases, a thorough cleaning of the implant is often sufficient to remove bacterial deposits. Special techniques like powder blasting or lasers can be used.
If the disease is more advanced and the bone is already affected, surgical intervention may be necessary. The tissue is opened to clean inflamed areas and treat the implant surface. In some cases, bone reconstruction is also required.
In cases of severe bone loss or implant loosening, removal may be necessary.
Not Every Symptom Indicates Peri-Implantitis
Complaints around an implant do not always indicate peri-implantitis. An allergic reaction or a poorly fitting crown can also cause similar symptoms. Therefore, changes should always be clarified promptly.
Costs: Prevention Pays Off
Treatment costs vary greatly depending on the progression of the disease. While early measures are relatively simple and inexpensive, advanced therapies involving surgery and bone reconstruction can be significantly more costly.
Those who respond early to symptoms and consistently prevent them can protect their health and avoid complex treatments.
*with material from dpa