Can peri-implantitis be reversed?
Mucositis may improve with timely care. Peri-implantitis with bone loss is more complex and may require ongoing management rather than a single appointment.
Gum health and implant maintenance
Peri-Implantitis and Periodontal Treatment Brisbane
Gum disease around teeth and inflammation around implants are related problems with a shared cause. This guide covers periodontal stabilisation before implant treatment, and the assessment and management of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis afterwards.
Review
Implant health assessment
- Bleeding and pocket check
- X-ray or CBCT if indicated
- Cleaning access review
- Maintenance planning
Why periodontal health comes first
Active gum disease can affect teeth, bone, and implant planning. Stabilising periodontal disease helps clarify which teeth can be maintained and which replacement options are suitable.
Signs that need review
Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed. Bleeding, swelling, pus, increasing pocket depth, bad taste, looseness, or visible gum changes should be assessed.
Patient resource
Geistlich professional material describes regenerative treatment concepts for contained bone defects after implant surface decontamination. Patient treatment still depends on diagnosis and defect shape.
Source material hosted locally with Geistlich branding retained.
Questions to ask
Will the implant need removal?
Not always. Removal depends on mobility, bone loss pattern, infection control, implant position, prosthesis design, and your broader health risks.
Can bone be regenerated around an implant?
In selected contained defects, regenerative procedures may be considered after decontamination. Some defects are not suitable for grafting.
How can I reduce risk?
Daily cleaning, professional maintenance, managing gum disease, not smoking, stable diabetes control, and checking bite forces can reduce risk.
Do I need gum disease treated before implants?
Usually yes. Active periodontal disease should be assessed and stabilised before implant treatment is planned.
Can teeth be saved instead of replaced?
Sometimes. Periodontal assessment helps compare tooth retention, grafting, extraction, bridge, denture, and implant options.
How often is periodontal maintenance needed?
Maintenance intervals depend on pocketing, bleeding, plaque control, smoking, diabetes, previous bone loss, and whether implants are present.
What are the risks of delaying gum care?
Untreated gum disease can lead to further bone loss, tooth mobility, infection, tooth loss, and higher risk around implants.
Related procedures
Bone grafting hub Grafting, augmentation, sinus lift and gum grafting before implants.
Soft tissue regeneration Gum grafting for tissue thickness and recession.
Ridge preservation Socket preservation at the time of extraction.
Dental implants guide Options, suitability, costs and treatment stages.
Mr Dennis Han Our Oral Health Therapist and Periodontal Lead.
Ready to Find Out Whether Dental Implants Are Right for You?
Book a free implant consultation at Brisbane Dental Implants to discuss your treatment options with a plan tailored to your mouth.