{"id":6981,"date":"2026-07-31T23:51:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T14:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drbobbychhoker.com.au\/blog\/?p=6981"},"modified":"2026-07-31T23:51:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T14:21:33","slug":"what-is-peri-implant-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drbobbychhoker.com.au\/blog\/what-is-peri-implant-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Peri-Implant Disease? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dental implants cannot develop tooth decay, but the gum and bone surrounding them can still become inflamed. This is known as peri-implant disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

The condition may begin as inflammation limited to the gum and can progress to loss of the bone supporting the implant. It does not always cause pain in its early stages, so bleeding, swelling or changes around an implant should not be ignored simply because the implant still feels secure.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we explain the difference between peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, the symptoms to look out for and how these conditions may be treated.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is peri-implant disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Peri-implant disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around a dental implant. It is usually associated with bacterial plaque collecting where the implant restoration meets the gum.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two main forms:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nTissues affected<\/b><\/td>\nTypical signs<\/b><\/td>\nSupporting bone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peri-implant mucositis<\/span><\/td>\nSoft gum tissue around the implant<\/span><\/td>\nRedness, swelling and bleeding<\/span><\/td>\nNo progressive supporting bone loss<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peri-implantitis<\/span><\/td>\nGum tissue and supporting bone<\/span><\/td>\nInflammation, deeper pockets, bleeding or pus<\/span><\/td>\nProgressive implant bone loss<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Dental<\/p>\n

Peri-implant mucositis is confined to the soft tissue. Peri-implantitis involves inflammation together with progressive loss of the bone supporting the implant.<\/span><\/p>\n

The presence or absence of progressive bone loss changes both the diagnosis and the treatment approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a broader explanation of how implants and their components work, our <\/span>dental implant FAQs<\/span><\/a> provide a useful introduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is peri-implantitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around a dental implant. It is characterised by gum inflammation and progressive bone loss beyond the changes expected after the implant was originally placed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The government\u2019s <\/span>evidence-based periodontal guidance<\/span><\/a> explains that diagnosis may involve bleeding or pus during gentle probing, increased probing depths and changes in bone levels around the implant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bleeding by itself does not confirm peri-implantitis. The gum condition, probing measurements, restoration design and radiographic findings need to be considered together.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of peri-implantitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Peri-implantitis symptoms can be subtle. Some people experience tenderness or discomfort, while others notice very little until the disease is more advanced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs that should be assessed include:<\/span><\/p>\n