Patient Guide approx. 8 min

Peri-implantitis — Understanding Risks, Recognizing Warning Signs

20–30% of all implant wearers develop peri-implantitis after 10 years. Learn what it means, how to recognize it, and what you can do about it.

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Contents of this guide

Peri-implantitis — Understanding Risks, Recognizing Warning Signs – Clinical Illustration

Häufige Fragen (FAQ)

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease of the tissue and bone around a dental implant. It is comparable to periodontitis in natural teeth and can lead to implant loss if left untreated. Studies show that 20–30% of all implant wearers are affected after 10 years.

Early signs are: bleeding when brushing around the implant area, redness or swelling of the gum, pressure sensitivity, visible gum recession around the implant, or a metallic taste. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice these signs.

In the early stage (mucositis), inflammation is fully reversible through professional cleaning and improved hygiene. Advanced peri-implantitis with bone loss is harder to treat — surgical intervention is often necessary, and complete bone loss may not always be recoverable.

Main risk factors are: smoking (2–3-fold increased risk), diabetes mellitus, poor oral hygiene, history of periodontitis, bruxism (teeth grinding), and irregular follow-up. Genetic factors also play a role.

Every 3–6 months during the first 12 months. Then every six months including professional cleaning. For high-risk patients (smokers, diabetics) quarterly check-ups are recommended.

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Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.

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