Yeoksam-dong Dental Clinic: Peri-implantitis, Dangerous Gum Inflammation if Left Untreated

Yeoksam-dong Dental Clinic: Peri-implantitis, dangerous gum inflammation if left untreated!!!

Hello.

This is Oaks Dental Clinic.

Dental implants are an excellent treatment method that can replace missing teeth, but continued care is still necessary after placement.

One of those conditions is peri-implantitis.

Today, Yeoksam-dong Dental Clinic will explain what peri-implantitis is, why it occurs, its symptoms and treatment, and how to prevent it.

What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a condition in which inflammation develops in the gums and bone around a dental implant.

In the early stage, it may begin with only swelling and bleeding in the gums, but if it progresses, it can damage the bone supporting the implant, threatening the stability of the implant itself.

The biggest cause is plaque and poor oral hygiene.

Just like natural teeth, implants can also develop inflammation when exposed to bacteria.

Why does peri-implantitis occur?

The main causes of peri-implantitis are as follows.

Poor oral hygiene If plaque accumulates around the implant, gum inflammation begins.

It may not be fully removed by brushing alone, so using dental floss or interdental brushes is essential.

Smoking Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and weakens immunity, making it harder for inflammation to heal.

Previous experience with periodontitis Patients who have previously had gum disease are at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis.

Improper implant placement If the implant angle, depth, or the condition of the surrounding gums and bone is not appropriate, inflammation can occur more easily.

How do the symptoms appear?

Early peri-implantitis may not cause clear pain, so it is easy to leave untreated.

The main symptoms are as follows.

The gum around the implant becomes red and swollen

Bleeding when brushing or eating

Pus or a strong odor from the gums

The implant becomes loose or the surrounding alveolar bone is resorbed

In advanced cases, the structure supporting the implant can be damaged, reducing fixation, and in severe cases, removal may be necessary.

Treatment methods for peri-implantitis

Early detection of peri-implantitis is the most important factor.

In the early stage, when symptoms are not severe, recovery may be possible with scaling and professional gum care alone.

Early inflammation Professional cleaning around the implant at a dental clinic, plaque removal, antibiotic treatment

Moderate to advanced progression Gum removal and cleaning, regenerative procedures using artificial materials

Severe cases Removal of the implant followed by re-implantation may be necessary

Because treatment varies depending on diagnosis and stage, it is safest to check your condition through regular examinations.

Prevention is the top priority

Prevention of peri-implantitis is more important than anything else.

Thorough oral hygiene Use a toothbrush, dental floss, and interdental brushes to remove plaque around the implant

Regular checkups Check the implant condition and surrounding gums once every 6 months to 1 year

No smoking Smoking interferes with the healing of inflammation, so quitting is necessary

Balanced eating habits Sugary and sticky foods increase the risk of plaque buildup

With regular care and proper oral habits, the risk of peri-implantitis can be greatly reduced.

In closing…

Dental implants are an excellent treatment that can replace natural teeth, but if you let your guard down, the enemy of dental health called peri-implantitis can appear.

If your gums become swollen, or you experience bleeding, pain, or odor, early examination and treatment are necessary.

If you want to use your implants safely and for a long time, regular dental checkups and thorough oral care are essential.