Peri-Implantitis in Canada: What Patients Should Know
Dental implants can feel just like natural teeth—strong, comfortable, and life-changing. But, like natural teeth, implants also need steady care. One issue to watch is peri-implantitis, an infection that can damage the bone around an implant if it isn’t treated early. Here’s a friendly, Canadian-focused guide to the signs, prevention, and treatments that help keep your implants healthy for the long run.
What is peri-implantitis, and how do I prevent it?
Peri-implantitis is an infection and inflammation around a dental implant that causes bone loss. It often starts as reversible gum inflammation (peri-implant mucositis). Good daily cleaning, regular checkups and cleanings, and risk control (like quitting smoking) are your best prevention steps.
Implant Health 101: Mucositis vs Peri-Implantitis
Think of implant health on a spectrum:
Peri-implant health
Pink, firm gums, no bleeding, no bone loss, and a comfortable bite.
Peri-implant mucositis (early stage)
Gum inflammation around the implant without bone loss. Signs often include redness and bleeding when you brush or floss. With better home care and a professional cleaning plan, this stage is usually reversible.
Peri-implantitis (advanced stage)
Inflammation and infection with progressive bone loss. This needs professional treatment to stop the damage and protect the implant.
“Just like natural teeth, dental implants need daily plaque control and regular professional care. Without it, the tissues around the implant can become inflamed and lead to bone loss.” — Canadian Dental Association
How Common Is It?
Large reviews report that peri-implant mucositis is fairly common, and peri-implantitis affects a meaningful minority of patients over time. Published estimates vary, but many studies suggest peri-implantitis can occur in roughly 10–20% of implants or about 15–25% of patients over 5–10 years. The take‑home: prevention and early detection matter.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Call your dentist if you notice:
- Red, tender, or swollen gums around an implant
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing near the implant
- Bad taste or persistent bad breath that seems to come from one area
- Increased sensitivity, pressure pain, or throbbing
- Gum recession or a small “pocket” forming around the implant
- Loose-feeling implant crown or changes in your bite
Tip: Bleeding is a big early warning sign. If you see pink foam or blood on floss near an implant, book a checkup.
Who’s at Higher Risk in Canada?
Some factors raise the chance of inflammation around implants:
- Smoking or vaping nicotine
- History of gum disease (periodontitis)
- Poor daily plaque control or awkward implant crown shape that’s hard to clean
- Uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions affecting immunity
- Dry mouth (medications, Sjögren’s, radiation)
- Bruxism (nighttime clenching/grinding) or a heavy bite
If you’re preparing for implants or already have them, ask your dentist about personal risk and how to lower it. For a refresher on implant basics, see what dental implants are and how they work in our guide: what dental implants are.
Daily Care: A Simple Routine That Works
Most implant problems begin with plaque that sits too long on the gums. A routine that’s easy to repeat is the most effective:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with a soft brush (manual or electric). Angle bristles toward the gumline.
- Clean between teeth and around implant sites once daily using floss designed for implants, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste; consider an alcohol‑free antibacterial rinse if your dentist recommends it.
- See your dental team regularly for professional cleanings, tailored to your risk (often every 3–6 months for higher‑risk patients).
Right after surgery, you’ll need a specific plan. Review practical steps here: implant aftercare.
Professional Maintenance in Canadian Clinics
Your hygienist and dentist will evaluate the tissues around the implant, measure pocket depths, assess bleeding, and review X‑rays when needed. They use implant‑safe tools (including gentle ultrasonic tips and polishing systems) to remove plaque and tartar from around the implant without damaging its surface. Your visit may also include bite checks, night‑guard assessments if you grind, and coaching to fine‑tune your home care.
What If You Already Have Mucositis?
Good news: early inflammation is usually reversible. Your dental team will:
- Thoroughly clean around the implant with implant‑safe instruments
- Review your home routine and demonstrate the right tools for your case
- Adjust crown contours if they’re trapping plaque
- Schedule closer follow‑up (often 6–12 weeks) to confirm the gums have healed
Peri-Implantitis Treatment: Step by Step
Treatment depends on how much bone is involved and how the implant and crown are built. Your dentist or periodontist may combine several steps:
1) Non‑surgical decontamination
Deep cleaning with implant‑safe ultrasonic tips and special curettes; polishing with powders designed for implant surfaces; localized antiseptics or antibiotics in selected cases.
2) Bite and prosthetic adjustments
If excess forces are straining the implant, minor bite adjustments or a night guard can reduce overload. The crown may be reshaped or remade to improve cleanability.
3) Surgical therapy (when needed)
In moderate to advanced cases, surgical access allows thorough cleaning and detoxification of the implant surface. Depending on the defect, your specialist may attempt regenerative procedures to rebuild lost bone and soft tissue. Your dentist will explain expected benefits and limits for your specific situation.
4) Supportive periodontal/implant maintenance
After inflammation is controlled, ongoing care (usually every 3–4 months at first for higher‑risk patients) helps prevent relapse.
Technology Is Improving Implant Outcomes
Modern planning and placement methods help reduce complications. Digital imaging (like CBCT) and guided surgery can improve implant position and crown design, making them easier to clean and more stable under bite forces. For a look at today’s approaches (including guided surgery and immediate‑load concepts), explore this overview of innovations: guided implant surgery.
Smart Prevention: Your Personal Checklist
- Don’t skip recall visits—book on the schedule your dentist recommends.
- Use the right interdental tools for your implant shape (ask for a demo).
- Quit smoking/vaping; if you need support, ask your dentist for resources.
- Manage diabetes and dry mouth; sip water, use saliva‑support products if advised.
- Protect your implant from grinding—wear a night guard if recommended.
- Call early for bleeding, swelling, or a change in bite.
Canadian Context: Costs, Coverage, and Access
Most private dental plans in Canada focus on preventive cleanings and basic therapies. Surgical treatment for peri‑implantitis is often considered a major procedure and may have limited coverage. Ask your clinic for a pre‑treatment estimate and a phased plan so you can prioritize care that stops active disease first, then restore aesthetics and comfort next.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your dentist will review your medical history, check your gums and bite, and take X‑rays if needed. You’ll get a clear explanation of the findings, photos or diagrams when helpful, and a practical plan that fits your schedule. The goal is simple: calm the inflammation fast, protect the bone you have, and help you keep your implant for the long term.
Conclusion
Peri-implantitis is preventable in many cases and manageable when caught early. Daily plaque control, tailored professional care, and smart risk reduction are the pillars of a healthy implant in Canada. If you spot redness, bleeding, or tenderness around an implant, don’t wait—book a checkup and get back on track.
FAQ
Is bleeding around my implant normal?
No. Bleeding is an early warning sign of inflammation (peri‑implant mucositis). Call your dentist for an exam and cleaning plan before it progresses.
How often should I have my implant cleaned?
It depends on risk. Many patients do well with cleanings every 6 months; higher‑risk patients (smokers, history of gum disease, diabetes) often benefit from every 3–4 months. Your dentist will tailor the schedule.
Can peri-implantitis be reversed?
Mucositis (early gum inflammation) is usually reversible. Peri‑implantitis involves bone loss and needs professional treatment to stop progression; in selected cases, your specialist may attempt regenerative procedures.
Do water flossers help around implants?
Yes—used correctly, they can remove debris from hard‑to‑reach areas. Many patients also need interdental brushes or specialty floss for a complete clean. Ask your hygienist to demonstrate the best combo for you.
Will I need surgery?
Not always. Mild to moderate cases may be managed with non‑surgical decontamination and bite or crown adjustments. Surgery is considered when bone defects or persistent pockets remain after initial therapy.
What if my implant crown is hard to clean?
Tell your dentist. Small changes to the crown shape can improve access for brushes and floss. In some cases, remaking the crown improves cleanability and reduces risk.
