Sick Dental Implants

A dental implant is designed to be a sturdy, reliable solution for restoring your smile, offering both function and aesthetics. However, like any investment in your oral health, implants require consistent care to ensure their success. When complications arise, such as inflammation or infection around the implant, it can lead to what is commonly referred to as a “sick implant.”
At Oak Hills Periodontics in San Antonio, Texas, our team is committed to helping patients maintain the health of their implants and prevent complications. With advanced treatments and personalized care, we address implant-related concerns to protect your smile and overall wellness. Here’s everything you need to know about sick implants, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is a Sick Implant?

A sick implant occurs when inflammation or infection affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant. These conditions, known as peri-implant diseases, compromise the gums and bone, endangering both the implant’s stability and the patient’s oral health. Peri-implant diseases are generally categorized into two stages:

Peri-Implant Mucositis

This is the earlier stage, where inflammation is limited to the soft tissues (gums) around the implant. At this point, the underlying bone remains unaffected. Peri-implant mucositis is reversible when caught early and treated promptly.

Peri-Implantitis

If peri-implant mucositis is not treated, it can progress to peri-implantitis. This advanced condition involves both inflammation in the gums and bone loss around the implant. Peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure and may require more invasive treatments, including bone grafting or implant replacement.