Dental implants are a safe, stable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. However, just as with natural teeth, the tissues surrounding an implant can also become inflamed or infected if bacteria build up around the area.
When this happens, symptoms compatible with peri-implantitis may appear. Detecting them early is essential to prevent the problem from progressing and affecting the bone that supports the implant.
At our dental clinic in Oviedo, we assess each case individually to identify the cause of the discomfort and apply the most appropriate treatment before the situation becomes more complicated.
¿What are the symptoms of peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis does not always appear clearly from the beginning. In some patients, it may start with mild signs, such as bleeding or gum inflammation, and progress gradually until it affects the supporting bone around the implant.
These are the main symptoms of peri-implantitis that you should pay attention to:
Inflamed gum around the implant
This inflammation is usually related to the accumulation of bacterial plaque around the implant. If it is not controlled, it can progress and affect deeper tissues.
Bleeding when brushing or using dental floss
You may notice it when brushing, using interdental brushes or flossing around the area. Although it does not always mean there is advanced peri-implantitis, it does indicate inflammation and that the implant should be checked as soon as possible.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
If bad breath does not improve with proper oral hygiene, it may be a sign of a problem in the peri-implant area. In these cases, a professional check-up can determine whether there is inflammation, infection or plaque build-up in areas that are difficult to access.
Pain, pressure or discomfort when chewing
In the early stages, pain may be mild or intermittent. In more advanced cases, discomfort may become more intense and make chewing difficult. Although implants do not have a nerve like natural teeth, the tissues around them can become inflamed and painful.
Gum recession
This recession may be related to chronic inflammation, loss of support or changes in the peri-implant tissues. In addition to affecting aesthetics, it can make plaque accumulation easier and worsen the problem.
Implant mobility
A healthy implant should remain completely stable. If you notice that it moves, that the prosthesis changes position or that you feel instability when chewing, it is important to arrange a check-up immediately.
Bone loss around the implant
This is usually detected through clinical examination and X-rays. That is why, even if external symptoms are mild, a periodontal check-up can help diagnose the problem before it compromises the stability of the implant.
Peri-implantitis can progress without pain
One of the most important aspects of peri-implantitis is that it can progress without causing intense pain at the beginning.
For this reason, many people do not visit the dentist until the implant starts to hurt, bleeds noticeably or becomes mobile. The problem is that, when more serious symptoms appear, there may already be significant bone loss, or even terminal bone loss for the prognosis of the implant.
Regular check-ups are key to detecting inflammation, controlling hygiene around the implant and assessing whether there is bone loss through X-rays.
How do we determine the presence of peri-implantitis at Clínica Sicilia?
If you have symptoms compatible with peri-implantitis, at Clínica Sicilia we carry out a complete assessment of the implant and the tissues surrounding it. During the check-up, we can analyse:
- The condition of the gum around the implant.
- The presence of bleeding or suppuration.
- The depth of the peri-implant pockets.
- The stability of the implant.
- Possible bone loss through radiographic tests and bone sounding to assess the bone defect three-dimensionally
You can find more information about this problem on our periodontics in Oviedo page.
Do you notice symptoms around a dental implant?
If you have inflammation, bleeding, discomfort or a bad taste around an implant, do not wait for the problem to progress.
At Clínica Sicilia, we can check the condition of your implant, determine whether there is a peri-implantitis and esplain which treatment options are most suitable for your case.
