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Peri-implant conditions

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Brief description of the condition

Pain and inflammation associated with integrated dental implants can have various causes. Peri-implant disease is characterised by inflammation affecting the soft (peri-implant mucositis) and hard (peri-implantitis) tissues around implants. Peri-implantitis leads to loss of bone support. Bacterial plaque, calculus formation, the presence of a foreign body such as excess residual cement, or mobility of the implant abutment or crown can be the cause of inflammation in peri-implant tissues. Patients may also present with pain and swelling as a direct consequence of recent implant surgery, or due to failure of osseointegration of the implant.

Key signs and symptoms

These vary depending on the condition and include:

  • Swelling
  • Pain (around the implants)
  • Bleeding on probing
  • Suppuration on applying pressure
  • Mobility of implant
  • Mobility of the implant crown or abutment
  • Radiographic evidence of progressive peri-implant bone loss (in peri-implantitis)

Initial management

Recommend optimal analgesia (see Analgesia).

Do not prescribe antibiotics unless there are signs of spreading infection, systemic infection, or judged appropriate for an immunocompromised patient.

Recommend good oral hygiene.

Advise the patient to seek non-urgent dental care or, if analgesia is ineffective, urgent dental care.

  • Ideally, the patient should be seen by the clinician who placed the implant.

Subsequent care

For more detailed advice on the management of peri-implant diseases refer to the SDCEP Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care guidance.

For other peri-implant conditions, provide subsequent care according to the condition.