What starts as a little redness of your implant surgery site mightn’t look like much. It does not hurt. There is no swelling yet. So you brush, rinse, and go about your business. But for some patients, that little change is the first sign of peri-implantitis, a disease that can make you lose your implant if not treated fast enough.
From the American Academy of Periodontology, as many as 20% of implant patients will eventually develop peri-implantitis. The longer it goes unchecked, the harder it is to treat.
Dr. Collins, a reliable implant dentist in Rosenberg, highlights one truth above all: prevention begins with knowledge, and management begins with timing. Here’s what you need to know to save your smile—and your investment.
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an infection caused by bacteria in the tissues around a dental implant. It often begins with inflammation (peri-implant mucositis) and can cause bone loss if left untreated.
The condition often develops due to:
- Poor oral health
- Smoking or tobacco smoking
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Gum disease history
- Misaligned bites
Even if your implant was perfect when it was inserted, it’s still at risk of getting infected down the line without the right oral care.
Signs to Look Out For
Peri-implantitis rarely develops overnight. It evolves slowly. Some patients notice:
- Bleeding while brushing around the implant
- Bad breath that doesn’t improve
- Gums receding from the implant
- The implant feels loose
- Dull pain or consistent discomfort
If you catch any of these warning signs early on, you’re already doing something good. Because nothing beats the efficacy of on-time care for dental implants in Rosenberg. Being proactive with your dental health can help you turn mild inflammation into permanent damage.
How to Prevent Peri-Implantitis from Developing?
No matter at which stage of the implant procedure you’re at (just got your implant placed or have had it for decades), these habits will always have your back:
1. Following Daily Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily using interdental brushes or water flossers can keep the area around the implant clean.
2. Regular Dental Visits
Routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and check for changes.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
Smoking and poorly managed health conditions like diabetes may accelerate implant complications. So take active steps to keep your blood sugar level under control.
4. Professional Cleanings
Dentists recommend undergoing professional oral cleaning every 6 months or twice a year. It’s best to avoid off-the-shelf cleaning tools that can harm your mouth’s health or cause plaque buildup.
What happens if Peri-Implantitis develops?
While deep cleaning, antibacterial therapy, or laser treatment might prove effective in preventing the spread of peri-implantitis, only surgery or bone grafting can protect you from the effects of its mature/advanced stage. That’s why Dr. Collins stresses the importance of acting quickly—even for minimal symptoms.
In our clinic, we use advanced imaging and non-surgical diagnosis to evaluate bone loss and soft tissue health. We help patients make their implants stable for the long term.
Don’t Let a Small Problem Become a Major One
Dental implants can last a long time with the right maintenance. However, they do need routine maintenance. If you’re concerned about your implant or seeking preventive measures, don’t hesitate. Ask Dr. Collins, a local, reputable implant dentist in Rosenberg, for professional advice and guidance.