Peri-implant inflammation is the generic term for inflammation around artificial tooth roots (implants).

Implants are anchored in the bone by a specialised dentist or implantologist and hold firmly into the jaw. The gingiva and the superstructure, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, lie above the implant.

Just as with natural teeth, plaque is adhering on implant- supported dentures. If it is not removed, peri-implant mucositis develops. This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane next to the dental implant, which is usually painless in the initial stage. The gums are swollen and reddened, and bleed when touched or when brushing the teeth.

Risk of implant loss

If mucositis is not treated in time, the disease progresses in a similar way to periodontitis. The inflammatory processes affect the surrounding tissue (so-called peri-implantitis). Both the gums and the bone substance, in which the implant body was inserted, can be inflamed. As a result, the mucous membrane and bone recede and the so-called “implant bed” is lost. If left untreated, peri-implantitis inevitably leads to the loss of the precious implant and possibly the functional prosthetics. Then, patients must wait for complete healing before the dentist or implantologist can place a new implant. Additionally, lost bone substance often has to be re-built through bone augmentation.2

Various factors such as smoking, stress or hormonal changes increase the risk of peri-implantitis. In addition, general diseases such as diabetes, immune diseases or osteoporosis are risk factors.