Dec 3, 2025
What Is Peri-Implantitis? Emergency Treatment Guide
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
You invested in a dental implant expecting a lifetime of smiles. But recently, you've noticed bleeding when you brush, tenderness in the gums, or perhaps a worrying sense that the implant isn't as stable as it used to be.
These are the classic warning signs of peri-implantitis, the number one enemy of dental implants. It is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Many patients ask us, "Is this an emergency? Can it be fixed?" The answer to both is yes. At Smyrna Dental Studio, we specialize in saving implants. This guide will explain what this condition is and how we can intervene to protect your smile.
What Exactly Is Peri-Implantitis?
While a titanium implant cannot get a cavity, the living tissues around it are still vulnerable. Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that targets the gums and bone surrounding the implant post.
Stage 1: Peri-Implant Mucositis. This is the early warning phase. The gums are inflamed, red, and may bleed, but there is no bone loss yet. This is reversible with a professional cleaning and better hygiene.
Stage 2: Peri-Implantitis. If ignored, the infection deepens. The bacteria begin to attack the jawbone that is fused to the implant. As the bone dissolves, the implant loses its support. This damage is not reversible on its own and requires professional intervention.
Can It Be Treated in an Emergency? The Rescue Process
If you suspect an infection, treating it as a dental emergency gives us the best chance to save the implant. Here is how we approach treatment at Smyrna Dental Studio:
Diagnostic 3D Scan: We use our CBCT scanner to see exactly how much bone has been lost around the threads of the implant.
Mechanical Debridement (Deep Cleaning): Under local anesthesia, we gently access the implant surface to physically remove the bacterial biofilm and tartar buildup that is causing the infection.
Chemical Disinfection: We use antimicrobial agents to sterilize the implant surface and the surrounding pocket.
Regenerative Therapy (Bone Grafting): In advanced cases where bone has been lost, we may place a bone graft and a membrane to encourage your body to regrow the lost support and stabilize the implant.
The "Point of No Return"
If peri-implantitis is ignored until the implant becomes significantly loose (wobbly), it often means the bone loss is total. In these cases, the emergency treatment usually involves removing the failed implant, cleaning the infection, and placing a bone graft to prepare the site for a future replacement.
FAQs: Your Implant Infection Questions
Does peri-implantitis hurt?
Surprisingly, not always in the early stages. Like gum disease, it can be a "silent" destroyer. You might see bleeding but feel no pain. Pain usually arrives in the later stages when an abscess forms or the implant becomes mobile. This is why visual signs like redness are so important.
Can I treat this at home with antibiotics?
No. While we may prescribe antibiotics to manage the spread of bacteria, pills alone cannot remove the hardened tartar and biofilm stuck to the implant surface. Physical removal by a dentist is required to stop the active disease process.
Why did I get peri-implantitis?
The most common risk factors are:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Not flossing or brushing adequately around the implant.
Smoking: This severely impairs blood flow and immune response.
History of Gum Disease: If you are prone to gum disease, you are prone to implant infections.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar affects healing and infection risk.
Is the treatment painful?
We ensure you are completely numb during any rescue procedure, so you will not feel pain while we work. Post-treatment, the gums may be sore for a few days as they heal from the infection, but relief from the pressure of the infection is often immediate.
Save Your Investment with Swift Action
Peri-implantitis is a serious condition, but it doesn't have to mean the end of your dental implant. With swift, expert emergency care, we can often halt the infection, repair the damage, and keep your smile intact for years to come.
If you have bleeding, swelling, or a loose implant in Smyrna, do not wait. Contact Smyrna Dental Studio immediately for an urgent evaluation to save your smile.
