Treatment at a Glance
Treatment Type
Anaesthetic
Pre-Treatment Care
Recovery Time
What is Peri-Implant Surgery?
Peri-implant surgery refers to treatment performed around a dental implant to correct problems with the surrounding gum or bone. The surgery is performed to treat or repair the tissues around a dental implant, when there is inflammation, infection, or tissue loss around the implant, rather than the implant itself.
The Treatment Process
Assessment & Diagnosis
Firstly, your dentist will examine the implant and surrounding bone using x-rays. This involves measuring the gum pockets around the implant, checking for signs of bleeding or infection and checking the implants stability. This examination will help determine whether there is mild inflammation or peri-implantitis, which may require surgery.
Pre-Surgery Treament
Non-surgical treatment will be carried out before surgery. This will involve professional deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar around the implant. The dentist may also prescribe Medication, such as antibiotics or antibacterial mouthwash or gel. This phase usually lasts 2–8 weeks.
Evaluation of Infection
Your dentist will check whether the implant infection has improved and will look for reduced inflammation, shallower pockets and less bleeding. If the infection persists, peri-implant surgery is recommended.
Surgical Treatment
Firstly, the area surrounding the implant will be numbed with a local anaesthetic. The dentist will then make a small incision to gently lift the gum and remove the infection. This involves any diseased tissue being removed and bacteria cleaned off the implant surface. If bone loss has occurred, the dentist may add bone graft material during this stage.
Final Review
During your check-up appointment, the dentist will examine the implant and check the infection has gone.
Peri-Implant Surgery FAQs
1. Why do I need peri-implant surgery?
Peri-implant surgery is recommended when an infection has spread below the gum line or into the bone surrounding your implant. Deep cleaning alone may not remove all the bacteria, therefore surgery allows the dentist to open the gum, clean the implant and surrounding area properly, and repair any damaged tissue or bone.
2. Will my implant be affected during surgery?
No, in most cases the implant will not be affected and will stay in place during peri-implant surgery, as the purpose of the procedure is to save and stabilise the implant.
3. Does peri-implant surgery hurt?
No, the procedure is usually pain-free as local anaesthetic is used during the surgery, although you may experience some mild pressure. Mild soreness or swelling for 2–5 days after the surgery is normal and usually manageable with painkillers.
4. How long does surgery take?
The surgery typically takes 45-90 minutes for one implant, but may be longer depending on the complexity of the case and is a bone grafting is required.
5. What is recovery like?
Following a peri-implant surgery it is common to experience some mild swelling and discomfort for 2-5 days. The gums should be fully healed within 1-2 weeks after surgery.
6. Can the infection come back?
Yes the infection can come back if plaque and bacteria builds up again. To avoid this make sure to brush well twice daily, floss regularly and attend regular hygienist visits.
Book Your Consultation Today
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Contact Information
5 Maidenplain Place, Aberuthven, Perthshire, PH3 1EL
8:30am to 5pm | Mon – Fri
01764 66 44 46