Overview
All-On-4 Plus® implants function like natural teeth, but they still require long-term care and maintenance. One of the most important aspects of protecting your implants is preventing peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial plaque around the implant site.
In its early stages, inflammation may only affect the gum tissue around the implant. If left untreated, it can progress deeper into the surrounding bone and, over time, affect the stability of the implant.
Several factors can increase the risk of peri-implantitis, including smoking, poor oral hygiene, existing gum disease, teeth grinding and inconsistent professional maintenance.
Daily home cleaning, regular dental hygiene appointments and ongoing monitoring are important parts of long-term implant care. Professional follow-up visits also allow your dental team to identify early signs of inflammation before they become more serious.
What is peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the gum and bone surrounding a dental implant. It is usually caused by bacterial plaque accumulating around the implant surface.
What are the signs of peri-implantitis?
In the early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms.
As it progresses, signs may include:
- Redness and swelling of the gum tissue.
- Bleeding or pus discharge around the implants.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Tenderness or discomfort when cleaning.
- In more advanced cases, bone loss or implant mobility may occur.
Can peri-implantitis be prevented?
In many cases, yes. Good daily oral hygiene, regular professional cleans, regular check-ups, and following your dentist’s maintenance recommendations all help reduce the risk of infection around All-On-4 Plus® implants.
Does smoking increase the risk of implant infection?
Yes. Smoking is considered one of the major risk factors for peri-implantitis because it can affect healing and increase bacterial build-up around implants.
How often should implants be professionally checked?
Most patients are advised to attend regular professional maintenance appointments every few months, depending on their individual oral health needs and risk factors.