Yaksu Station Dental Clinic: Can Implants Also Get Gum Disease?

Hello.

I am Dr. Kim Tae-young, the head director of Barunyoung Dental Clinic at Yaksu Station.

In my previous post, I summarized post-implant surgery care.

Today, as an extension of that, I'd like to talk about peri-implantitis, a topic that those who have used implants for a long time may encounter at some point.

Even after receiving implant treatment and using them well for a long time,

you might suddenly experience swollen gums around the implant,

bleeding, or discomfort.

Patients often ask:

‘Aren't implants supposed to last a lifetime once they're placed?’

‘I've been diligent with my care, so why am I experiencing these symptoms?’

Implants are not permanent materials, though their lifespan can vary depending on chewing habits, care methods, and overall body condition.

Today, I will explain what peri-implantitis is,

why it occurs, what symptoms appear,

and how it can be managed and prevented.

What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis refers to an inflammatory condition that occurs in the gums and jawbone around an implant.

Just as periodontitis (gum disease) can affect natural teeth, bacteria can accumulate around implants and cause inflammation.

Problems with the tissue around implants are broadly divided into two stages:

Peri-implant mucositis

This is a stage where inflammation occurs only in the gums (soft tissue).

Symptoms like bleeding when brushing or swollen gums may appear, but there is no bone damage yet.

This is a relatively early stage, and recovery can be expected with proper management.

Peri-implantitis

This is a stage where the inflammation has progressed to the jawbone.

It is accompanied by bone loss, and treatment becomes even more critical at this stage.

More aggressive intervention may be required at this stage.

Why does peri-implantitis occur?

The biggest cause is bacterial plaque accumulation around the implant.

However, the following factors can also contribute:

Poor oral hygiene

Inflammation can occur if plaque and tartar accumulate around the implant.

Smoking

Smoking can affect gum blood flow, reducing healing and defense capabilities.

Diabetes

If blood sugar control is not well-managed, the likelihood of inflammation occurring or progressing may increase.

Occlusal overload

Excessive force can be transmitted to the implant if you clench or grind your teeth.

History of periodontal disease

Individuals who have suffered from gum disease in the past may also have the tissues around their implants affected.

Reduced immunity

The inflammatory response can vary depending on the overall health condition.

Peri-implantitis can be more dangerous than natural tooth gum disease.

This is a question many patients are surprisingly curious about.

Both natural teeth and implants can develop inflammation around the gums, which is similar.

However, there are differences in the structure of the surrounding tissues.

Natural teeth are connected to the jawbone through a tissue called the periodontal ligament.

In contrast, implants have a structure that directly integrates with the jawbone without a periodontal ligament.

Due to this structural difference, when inflammation occurs around an implant,

bone loss can sometimes progress more rapidly than with periodontitis of natural teeth.

Of course, not all peri-implantitis progresses rapidly.

However, symptoms may not be distinct in the early stages, making regular check-ups important.

Therefore, even after implant placement is complete, consistent care and

regular check-ups are necessary, and even small changes like gum bleeding or swelling

should not be taken lightly.

What symptoms can appear?

In the early stages, peri-implantitis may not have any specific symptoms.

Therefore, it is often discovered incidentally during regular check-ups.

The following symptoms may appear:

Swollen or red gums around the implant
Bleeding when brushing
Pus discharge or bad odor
Receding gums, making the metal part more visible
Discomfort when chewing
A feeling of the implant being loose

Especially if you experience recurrent bleeding around your implant, it's advisable to get a check-up rather than just thinking it's simple irritation.

How is peri-implantitis diagnosed?

Dentists diagnose it using the following methods:

Clinical examination

The condition of the gums around the implant is checked using a probe.

Bleeding and probing depth are measured.

Radiographic examination (X-ray)

The height of the jawbone around the implant is checked.

Comparing with past images can more accurately determine if bone loss has occurred.

Therefore, regular X-rays taken after implant treatment are helpful for comparing future conditions.

How is peri-implantitis treated?

Treatment methods may vary depending on the condition.

Early stage

Professional cleaning and tartar removal around the implant are performed.

Education on proper brushing and the use of auxiliary oral hygiene products is also provided.

Moderate to severe stage

If bone loss is accompanied, surgical treatment may be considered.

Depending on the need, implant surface cleaning or bone grafting may be performed together.

Severe cases

If bone damage is extensive, it may be difficult to maintain the implant.

Therefore, early detection is crucial.

Do I have to remove my implant if I get peri-implantitis?

Many people worry about whether they have to remove their implant if they develop peri-implantitis.

To put it simply, not all peri-implantitis leads to implant removal.

If detected at the early mucositis stage or managed at a relatively early peri-implantitis stage,

treatment is often carried out while maintaining the implant.

Conversely, if bone damage has progressed extensively, maintenance may be difficult.

Therefore, we often say that what's important is not whether peri-implantitis has occurred, but when it was detected.

This is because the earlier it is detected, the higher the possibility of maintaining the implant.

Can peri-implantitis be prevented?

It cannot be completely prevented, but the risk can be lowered.

Home care

In addition to brushing, using interdental brushes and oral irrigators can help with implant care.

Regular check-ups

It is important to have regular check-ups even if there are no symptoms.

Generally, regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended, and the frequency may vary depending on individual oral health.

Detecting early changes through regular check-ups often allows for management with relatively simple care.

In conclusion

Implants can be a long-lasting treatment if well-maintained.

However, just like natural teeth,

inflammation can occur in the tissues around implants, which is called peri-implantitis.

During implant treatment at Yaksu Station Dental Clinic, I often hear patients with peri-implantitis say,

‘I thought it was fine because it didn't hurt.’

I believe that checking for small changes through regular check-ups, even without symptoms,

is an important part of using implants for a long time.

Key takeaways from today's post

✔ Implants can get gum disease, just like natural teeth.

✔ It is divided into peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

✔ Bone loss can sometimes progress more rapidly than with natural teeth, so early detection is crucial.

✔ Oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and a history of periodontal disease can all play a role.

✔ Common symptoms include gum bleeding, swelling, pus, and gum recession.

✔ Not all peri-implantitis leads to implant removal, but early detection is important.

✔ Regular check-ups are helpful for detection, even without symptoms.

This post was written in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing medical information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can implants also get gum disease?

Yes, implants can develop gum disease, just like natural teeth. The condition where inflammation occurs in the gums and jawbone around an implant is called peri-implantitis, and bacterial plaque accumulation is the main cause.

What symptoms appear with peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis may not have symptoms in its early stages. However, gums may swell or become red, bleed when brushing, or discharge pus. Gums may recede, or you might feel discomfort when chewing or a sensation of the implant being loose.

Why does peri-implantitis occur?

The biggest cause of peri-implantitis is bacterial plaque accumulation around the implant. Other factors that can contribute include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, occlusal overload, a history of periodontal disease, and reduced immunity.

Do I have to remove my implant if I get peri-implantitis?

No, not all peri-implantitis leads to implant removal. If detected at the early mucositis stage or a relatively early peri-implantitis stage, treatment is often carried out while maintaining the implant. Early detection is crucial.

How can peri-implantitis be prevented?

While peri-implantitis cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be lowered. In addition to brushing at home, using interdental brushes and oral irrigators can help, and it's important to have regular check-ups every 6 months or so, even if there are no symptoms.