Dental implants and periodontitis

Periodontitis is a common gum disease that can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Learn how it develops and why timely care is essential.

Posted at 10:27h in Implantologija i protetika, Implantologija i protetika, Uncategorized by SmileMarketing

Are your teeth causing you concern and making you feel unhappy? Regardless of the reasons behind your dissatisfaction with your smile, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to do something about it. Whether you need to replace one or more missing teeth or require extraction, your dentist has likely suggested dental implants as one of the solutions. Dental implants are an exceptionally high-quality option, as they closely replicate natural teeth both aesthetically and functionally.

The implant placement procedure is somewhat more complex, but essentially a screw is inserted into the jawbone and left to integrate with the bone. After that, prosthetic restorations—either removable or fixed—are attached to the implant and serve as replacement teeth. Learn more about dental implants here.

However, a common concern when considering dental implants is gum disease. So, can someone with periodontitis receive dental implants?

What is periodontosis or periodontitis?

Periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease, is an oral condition in which the gums become swollen, inflamed, painful, and sensitive. This infection is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar that can build up on the teeth, both above and below the gum line. Gum disease can make the gums sore, swollen, and tender, but it can also lead to gum recession and, ultimately, tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

Dental Implants and Gum Disease

If you lose teeth due to gum disease, it’s natural to wonder whether you will be able to get dental implants. Unfortunately, the answer is no—at least not immediately. If your gum disease has progressed to the point of causing tooth loss, there is a high chance it has also led to bone loss. This means there may not be enough bone to securely place and stabilize the implants.The infection must first be completely treated, and if possible, bone regeneration should be performed. Only after these steps can dental implant placement be considered.

Dental implant placement: Learn how dentists perform this procedure and how implants can improve the function and aesthetics of your smile.

Can gum disease affect dental implants?

If you already have dental implants, you may be concerned about whether gum disease can affect them—and rightly so. Periodontal disease can indeed impact dental implants, as it may spread and weaken the gums and/or bone supporting the implant. Over time, this can cause the implant to loosen and potentially fail.There is even a specific term used by dentists for this condition—peri-implantitis. This is yet another reason why maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, even if you have dental implants.

We present proper dental implant maintenance in the table below:

Activity / Habit	Frequency	Why it is important
Brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush	2x daily	Removes plaque and prevents inflammation around the implant
Using interdental brushes and floss	1x daily	Cleans areas that a toothbrush cannot reach
Professional cleaning at the dentist	Every 6 months	Detects and prevents early signs of peri-implantitis
Regular check-ups	2x per year	Monitors implant stability and gum health
Avoiding smoking	Continuous	Smoking reduces blood flow and increases the risk of complications
Wearing a night guard for teeth grinding	At night	Protects implants and crowns from excessive pressure

Symptoms indicating problems with dental implants

If you have dental implants and are concerned that gum disease may affect them, it is important to be aware of the signs that something may be wrong with your implants. The sooner you recognize the following warning signs, the faster you can act and take steps to prevent further potential oral health issues:

Pain or discomfort

The idea behind dental implants, at least in part, is to eliminate any pain or discomfort caused by damaged or decayed teeth. Dental implants should not hurt. If you begin to feel any discomfort or pain in or around a dental implant, it may indicate that a problem is developing at an early stage.

Visible gum recession around the implant

Another sign that your implant may be failing due to gum disease is gum recession. If you notice your gums starting to pull back around the implant site, there is a high likelihood that this is caused by gum disease, and it may soon begin to affect the surrounding bone.

Visible pus

We know it doesn’t sound pleasant, but if you notice visible pus in and around the area of your implant, it indicates an infection that could lead to implant-related problems.

Bad breath

Everyone experiences bad breath from time to time, especially in the morning or after certain foods, but if you regularly notice halitosis (persistent bad breath), it may be caused by bacteria leading to a gradual gum infection.

Visible implant threads

A dental implant is essentially a screw placed in the bone. If the threads of the implant become visible, it means it is no longer positioned as deeply as it originally was, indicating reduced support. If this continues, the implant may eventually loosen and fall out.

Bleeding around the implant area

Gum disease weakens the gums, causing them to bleed even under minimal pressure. If your gums suddenly start bleeding while brushing your teeth, it may be a sign of gum disease, which means there is a risk of implant failure.

What is the best treatment for peri-implantitis?

As mentioned, if you are concerned about problems with your dental implants, it is important to recognize the warning signs and act quickly.

Fortunately, the easiest way to prevent peri-implantitis is through good oral hygiene and proper implant care. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean carefully with floss and interdental brushes, and make sure to visit your dentist for regular check-ups at least twice a year. If you notice any unpleasant symptoms, don’t wait for the condition to worsen—feel free to contact us so we can resolve the issue promptly.