Peri-implantitis: Symptoms and Treatments of the Infection

Pain, bleeding or swelling around your dental implant? Discover the symptoms of peri-implantitis and how to treat this infection.

hygiene-precision.com

5/6/20265 min read

infographic Peri-implantitis Symptoms and Treatments of Infection
infographic Peri-implantitis Symptoms and Treatments of Infection

Peri-implantitis: everything you need to know about dental implant infection

Are you experiencing unusual pain , swelling, or bleeding gums around your prosthesis? Be aware that these could be the first signs of a dental implant infection . While implants are an aesthetic and long-lasting solution, they are unfortunately not immune to bacterial attacks.

If the inflammation remains superficial, it is called peri-implant mucositis , a condition that is fortunately reversible. However, without prompt treatment, it can develop into peri-implantitis . This much more serious condition directly attacks the bone tissue supporting the implant, significantly increasing the risk of loosening and loss of the prosthesis.

Don't let worry take hold. Discover how to identify the symptoms of this disease, its causes, and most importantly, what treatment for peri-implantitis to adopt to protect your implants in the long term.

This article contains the following:

  1. Pain after a dental implant

  2. Peri-implantitis: definition and difference from peri-implant mucositis

  3. Symptoms: How to recognize peri-implantitis

  4. What are the causes of peri-implantitis?

  5. Diagnosis of peri-implantitis

  6. Treatments: How to treat an infection under an implant

  7. Prevention: Hygiene routines to protect your implants

  8. Prevention: the key to preventing peri-implantitis

  9. When to consult a doctor?

  10. Conclusion: Preventing peri-implantitis on a daily basis

  11. FAQ - Peri-implantitis and Implant Care

Discover our ozone water flosser to preserve your dental implants
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Pain after a dental implant: normal or worrying?

Pain following a dental implant procedure is common. It is related to tissue healing and the body's normal reaction.

How long does the pain last?

  • 3 to 5 days on average

  • Gradual decrease after 48 hours

  • Sensitivity may last up to 1 to 2 weeks

⚠️ On the other hand, persistent or intensifying pain may signal a dental implant infection or the beginning of peri-implantitis .

Peri-implantitis: definition and difference from peri-implant mucositis

Peri -implantitis is an inflammation of the tissues around the implant, affecting both the gum and the bone, with possible formation of a periodontal pocket .

Not to be confused with peri-implant mucositis :

  • Mucositis : superficial, reversible inflammation without bone involvement

  • Peri-implantitis : deep inflammation with irreversible bone loss

infographic Peri-implantitis definition and difference with peri-implant mucositis
infographic Peri-implantitis definition and difference with peri-implant mucositis

Symptoms: How to recognize peri-implantitis

The signs may be subtle at first, but certain symptoms should raise concern:

  • Bleeding gum around the implant

  • Redness and swelling (inflammation)

  • Persistent dental implant pain

  • Bad breath linked to bacterial plaque

  • Presence of pus

  • Sensation of looseness or dislodgement of the implant

👉 The presence of tartar and biofilm promotes the worsening of these symptoms.

What are the causes of peri-implantitis?

1. Insufficient oral hygiene

The accumulation of bacterial plaque around the implant is the main cause. Without proper brushing and effective interdental cleaning, bacteria cause chronic periodontal inflammation.

2. General risk factors

  • Tobacco (reduced blood flow)

  • Poorly controlled diabetes

  • Inflammatory diseases

3. Mechanical factors

  • Poor distribution of forces

  • Excess cement

  • Implant incorrectly positioned

Diagnosis of peri-implantitis

The diagnosis is based on:

  • Clinical examination (bleeding, inflammation)

  • Measurement of periodontal pockets

  • X-ray to assess bone tissue loss

Regular monitoring allows for the detection of peri-implant mucositis before it develops into peri-implantitis.

Treatments: How to treat an infection under an implant

The treatment of peri-implantitis depends on the stage:

Non-surgical phase

  • Plaque and tartar removal

  • Disinfection (ultrasound, laser, sometimes ozone)

  • Improved oral hygiene

Surgical phase

  • Deep cleaning

  • Pocket reduction

  • Bone tissue regeneration (grafting)

🎯 Objective: to stop the infection and prevent the implant from becoming dislodged

Prevention: Hygiene routines to protect your implants

The French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) recommends using a water flosser as a useful complement to removing plaque between teeth and under the gum line , where a regular toothbrush is insufficient for daily use. The water flosser, with its controlled pressure, is gentler and kinder to the gums than interdental brushes .

The ozone dental irrigator: your best ally

The Aquolab ozone dental jet
stands out as an innovative solution
for deep cleaning around dental implants .
Thanks to the micro-diffusion of ozonated water , it allows for gentle and natural disinfection
of interdental spaces, gums, and peri-implant areas.

Why ozone?

Ozone has effective antibacterial and disinfectant properties against dental plaque , significantly reducing bacteria responsible for cavities, gingivitis and oral infections, while complementing conventional brushing ( study on ozonated water and dental plaque ; review on ozone in dentistry ).

When used in oral hygiene, ozone contributes to:

  • to eliminate the anaerobic bacteria responsible for peri-implantitis without damaging the titanium of the implant

  • Limit gum inflammation

  • Improve the feeling of cleanliness and freshness

The Aquolab ozone dental jet can therefore be perfectly integrated into the daily routine of patients with dental implants , in addition to brushing and professional check-ups.

A four-year study demonstrates that thanks to Aquolab ozonated water, used before and for three weeks after dental implant placement, the mouth benefits from deep , natural, and safe disinfection. This technology creates ideal conditions for healthy healing and a stable result, for a long-lasting implant . Source: 2018_08_21_Marconcini_et_al-2018-Clinical_Implant_Dentistry_and_Related_Research

The importance of thorough brushing

Aquolab products for optimal implant hygiene

Aquolab offers a range of complementary products designed to optimize the oral care of dental implants.

Ozonic ozone toothpaste

Aquolab's Ozonic toothpaste contains stabilized ozone microbubbles
and gum-friendly ingredients. Daily use helps to:

  • Maintaining a healthy oral environment

  • Reduce the formation of bacterial plaque

  • Protecting sensitive peri-implant tissues

  • Promote remineralization

It is perfectly suited to patients prone to mucositis or peri-implantitis , who are looking for a non-abrasive and soothing toothpaste.

The UFSBD recommends the use of an electric toothbrush to improve brushing efficiency while respecting sensitive gums.

The Aquolab sonic toothbrush

The Aquolab sonic toothbrush offers high-frequency brushing
to effectively remove plaque, even in hard-to-reach areas around implants. Thanks to its gentle and precise movements , it promotes impeccable hygiene without traumatizing gums, which are often more fragile around implants.

The benefits of the Aquolab water flosser for dental implantThe benefits of the Aquolab water flosser for dental implant
Ozone toothpaste care for dental implantOzone toothpaste care for dental implant
Aquolab sonic electric toothbrush a deep cleaning for dental implantAquolab sonic electric toothbrush a deep cleaning for dental implant

Prevention: the key to preventing peri-implantitis

Good prevention relies on a rigorous implant hygiene routine :

Essential actions

  • Brush 2 to 3 times a day

  • Use interdental brushes if you don't have a water flosser. Be careful with your gums!

  • Cleaning with a water flosser

These actions help to eliminate bacterial plaque before it turns into tartar.

When to consult a doctor?

Check quickly if you observe:

  • Persistent inflammation

  • Bleeding gum around the implant

  • An unusual pain

  • A feeling of mobility

Early diagnosis often allows treatment of peri-implantitis without major surgery.

Conclusion: Preventing peri-implantitis on a daily basis

Peri -implantitis is not inevitable. It is directly linked to the balance between bacteria, hygiene and periodontal health .

Adopting a complete routine including brushing , water flosser , and possibly the use of ozone -based solutions , helps to limit the risks of dental implant infection and prevent implant loosening .

👉 Rigorous daily maintenance is the best guarantee for keeping implants healthy and long-lasting.

Example of daily routine for flawless oral hygiene

Ozone water flosser Aquolab hygiene-precision.comOzone water flosser Aquolab hygiene-precision.com
Aquolab Sonic Toothbrush hygiene-precision.comAquolab Sonic Toothbrush hygiene-precision.com
Ozone toothpaste Aquolab Ozonic hygiene-precision.comOzone toothpaste Aquolab Ozonic hygiene-precision.com

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Aquolab sonic toothbrush

ozonic toothpaste

aquolab ozone water flosser

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