Peri-Implant Disease Treatment
Periodontal Care
About This Service
Dental implants need healthy surrounding gum and bone support. South Bay Dental Surgery Center evaluates implant bleeding, swelling, tenderness, bone loss, and maintenance concerns for patients across Torrance and the South Bay.
Peri-implant disease refers to inflammation or infection around a dental implant. Early inflammation may affect the soft tissue only, while more advanced disease can involve bone loss around the implant. Because implants rely on healthy surrounding tissue for long-term stability, bleeding, tenderness, swelling, drainage, or changing implant comfort should be evaluated promptly.
Implants still need healthy gums
Implants do not get cavities, but bacteria can still build up around the implant and irritate the surrounding tissue. Without treatment, inflammation can progress and threaten the bone support around the implant.
Risk factors and early warning signs
A history of gum disease, smoking, diabetes, poor plaque control, and inconsistent maintenance can increase risk. Warning signs may include bleeding when brushing, redness, swelling, tenderness, bad taste, drainage, or deeper pockets around an implant.
Treatment depends on severity
Early inflammation may respond to cleaning, home-care changes, and closer maintenance. More advanced peri-implantitis may require deeper therapy, surgical access, regenerative treatment, or restorative adjustments depending on the implant and bone support.
The Process
Implant Health Evaluation
We check tissue inflammation, pocket depths, bleeding, bite forces, restoration shape, and imaging around the implant.
Risk Review
We review hygiene access, smoking, medical conditions, gum disease history, and maintenance habits that can affect implant health.
Targeted Treatment
Treatment may include implant decontamination, deep cleaning, medication support, surgical therapy, or regenerative care when indicated.
Maintenance Plan
A customized maintenance schedule helps monitor the implant and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Common Questions
If an implant feels different, bleeds during brushing, or has been flagged on an X-ray, prompt evaluation can help protect the implant and clarify treatment options.
Benefits
- Protects implant health
- Addresses inflammation early
- Supports long-term implant stability
- Improves implant maintenance planning