Peri-Implantitis Treatment

When bacteria cause inflammation around an implant, known as peri-implantitis, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is an infection that affects the gums and bone surrounding a dental implant. It develops when bacteria build up around the implant, often from poor oral hygiene, smoking, or existing gum disease. Over time, this can weaken the bone and tissue supporting the titanium post and compromise the implant’s stability.

Common peri-implantitis symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums around the implant
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Pus or discharge near the implant site
• Receding gums or exposed implant threads
• Changes in implant comfort or mobility

Early detection is key. A thorough periodontal exam and digital imaging help us determine how much bone and soft tissue have been affected so we can plan the most effective treatment.

How We Treat Peri-Implantitis

Treatment for peri-implantitis varies based on the severity of bone loss and inflammation. Our specialists use a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments to remove bacteria, restore tissue health, and stabilize the implant.

1. Laser Decontamination with the Er:YAG Laser

For mild to moderate cases, laser therapy is the first line of treatment. Using an Er:YAG laser, we precisely target and remove bacteria and biofilm from the implant surface without damaging healthy tissue. This process disinfects the area, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.

The benefits of Er:YAG laser decontamination include:

• Minimally invasive and highly precise
• Promotes soft tissue healing
• Reduces the need for traditional surgical intervention
• Shorter recovery time and greater comfort

2. Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting

When peri-implantitis has caused bone or gum deterioration, we combine laser decontamination with bone and/or soft tissue grafting to rebuild the lost support structures.

• Bone grafting regenerates lost bone, helping stabilize the implant or prepare the site for future implant placement.
• Soft tissue grafting restores gum coverage and seals the area, improving both health and appearance.

These regenerative techniques restore the foundation needed to maintain implant success and long-term oral health.

3. Implant Removal and Ridge Augmentation

In severe cases, where bone loss is too advanced to save the implant, removal may be necessary. After the implant is removed, we perform ridge augmentation to rebuild the bone and restore proper jaw structure. Once healing is complete, a new implant can often be placed successfully.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your treatment plan depends on how advanced the infection is, which also affects how long it takes to complete. Mild cases may be resolved in one or two visits, while more advanced cases involving grafting can take several months for full healing. Most patients follow a similar process:

1. Consultation and diagnosis: We evaluate your gums, bone, and implant using digital imaging to confirm the presence and extent of peri-implantitis.
2. Laser decontamination: For mild to moderate cases, an Er:YAG laser is used to gently remove bacteria and infected tissue from the implant surface.
3. Regenerative therapy: When bone or gum loss has occurred, bone or soft tissue grafting helps rebuild support around the implant.
4. Healing and follow-up: Your recovery timeline depends on how advanced the infection is and whether grafting is needed. We will monitor your progress closely through follow-up visits to ensure healthy healing and prevent reinfection.

This approach helps eliminate infection, rebuild support around the implant, and restore long-term oral health.

How to Maintain Your Results

After peri-implantitis treatment, consistent oral hygiene and professional monitoring are essential. To maintain your results:

• Brush and floss daily around implants
• Schedule regular periodontal maintenance visits
• Avoid smoking and excessive force on your implants
• Contact us if you notice any changes in gum health or implant comfort

Routine maintenance and early detection of issues are the best ways to prevent recurrence and protect your investment. Most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months.

Why Patients Choose Periodontal Associates

For over 50 years, patients across Centennial and Aurora, CO, have trusted Periodontal Associates for expert implant and gum care. Our team combines advanced training, modern technology, and compassionate care to deliver predictable, lasting results.

Patients choose us because we:

• Are board-certified periodontists specializing in dental implants and periodontal disease
• Use advanced tools like CBCT imaging and Er:YAG laser technology
• Provide comprehensive care from early intervention to complex surgical treatment
• Collaborate closely with referring doctors and restorative dentists

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