Mokdong Dental Clinic_ "Why It Quietly Starts and Eventually Becomes Unstable" [3. The Progression of Peri-Implantitis]

Hello,

We are Seoul Dia Dental Clinic in Magok-dong,

dedicated to protecting your dental health to the very end.

An implant is not simply something you place once and are done with.

It is no exaggeration to say that the real beginning is after it has been placed.

In the previous post, we explained the causes of peri-implantitis.

If you missed it, please check it through the link below.

Today, we’ll continue that story.

"If peri-implantitis develops, what process does it go through?"

Let’s go over each stage of that progression one by one.

The Progression of Peri-Implantitis, Stage by Stage

Stage 1 – Subtle Inflammation That Starts Invisibly

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Subtle Inflammation

When bacteria begin to build up around the gum tissue surrounding the artificial root,

the first thing that appears is mild gum inflammation.

You may notice a very small amount of bleeding when brushing,

slight swelling that is hard to see even in the mirror,

and occasional bad breath.

At this stage, patients usually barely notice it.

They just think, “My gums seem a little sensitive today,” and let it pass.

But this is the golden time.

With proper care and treatment, recovery is easy.

Stage 2 – Bacteria Pushing Deep into the Gums

Magok Station Dental Clinic_ Bacteria Pushing Deep into the Gums

If the inflammation is left untreated, the bacteria begin to penetrate not just the surface,

but deep inside the gums.

The swelling becomes a little more severe, bleeding appears every time you brush,

and bad breath persists even after brushing.

Outwardly, everything may still look fine.

The implant seems firmly in place, and there is little discomfort when chewing.

That is why many people put off visiting the clinic, thinking, “It’ll get better after a while.”

But in fact, from this stage onward, the bacteria are already approaching the jawbone near the gums.

Stage 3 – Loosening Caused by Jawbone Damage

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Jawbone Damage Begins

For an implant to be used for a long time, the jawbone must hold it firmly in place.

However, once bacteria invade the bone, the bone gradually begins to dissolve,

and bone that has been damaged is not easy to restore.

At this point, the gums become red and swollen, and you may feel a heavy or itchy discomfort when chewing;

in severe cases, pus may also come out.

As the bone damage progresses further, the implant can no longer

be firmly fixed to the bone and starts to loosen.

Patients can clearly feel a clicking sensation when chewing

and repeated pain.

Swelling and bleeding become more severe, and brushing becomes difficult.

Eventually, at this point, major treatment such as bone grafting or gum surgery may be necessary,

and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed.

Stage 4 – Implant Loss

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Implant Loss

In the final stage, the implant loses its function and comes out.

At this point, you are faced with having to consider treatment again from the beginning.

The implant becomes visibly and completely loose,

and gum pain and fever begin.

Since eating becomes difficult, the implant must be removed.

By the time it reaches this stage, the financial, time-related, and emotional burden all grow significantly.

It can become a greater struggle than when it was first placed.

To briefly summarize the progression of peri-implantitis:

Stage 1 – Subtle inflammation that starts invisibly

Stage 2 – Bacteria pushing deep into the gums

Stage 3 – Implant loosening due to jawbone damage

Stage 4 – Implant loss

Natural teeth have nerves, so when a problem occurs,

they quickly signal it with pain, but implants do not have nerves.

In other words, even if bacteria are throwing a party inside,

the body does not give any special signal.

That is why many patients realize it too late.

But there is no need to be too afraid.

Peri-implantitis is definitely not someone else’s story,

but fortunately, in the early stages it can be sufficiently reversed,

and it is a condition that can be prevented in the first place with proper care.

Magok-dong Dia Dental Clinic Implant Consultation

Seoul Dia Dental Clinic in Magok-dong

carefully manages regular checkups and aftercare

to help patients use their implants well for a long time.

If you are reading this and thinking, “This sounds like me,”

please have your oral condition checked right away at Dia Dental Clinic in Magok-dong

so that you can maintain lifelong oral health.

[ This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgeries and procedures. Since infection and side effects may occur after surgery, you should decide on surgery (procedure) only after sufficient consultation with skilled medical staff. ]

[Magok Station Dia Dental Clinic Peri-Implantitis Series]

1. Peri-implantitis Symptoms

2. Causes of Peri-implantitis

3. The Progression of Peri-implantitis

4. Treatment of Peri-implantitis

5. How to Prevent Peri-implantitis