Implant Self Exam: How to Check for Peri-Implant Mucositis

Healthy gums don’t bleed! Swollen, inflamed, and tender gums around your implant could be the 1st signs of an implant specific infection called peri-implant mucositis. Mucositis happens when disease causing bacterial biofilm (dental plaque) is not effectively removed from above and below the gum line surrounding your implant. If left untreated, the infection can travel from the gum into the bone jeopardizing the health of your implant.

The good news is that if caught early, mucositis is a reversible disease that can be treated with conservative professional care and increased oral hygiene. Regularly examining your implant on your own can be an important way to find a potential problem early, when it is easier to treat.       

Self Exam: here are signs and symptoms of peri-implant mucositis to look for:

  • bleeding during or after brushing, flossing, or using interdental brushes
  • increased shininess to the tissue surface surrounding the implant
  • localized swelling
  • redness
  • tenderness   

                                        
Peri-implant mucositis should be treated without delay. If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms contact your dental hygienist or implant care practitioner as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment before its to late!

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Shavonne Healy, MSDH, RDH, ICP is a registered dental hygienist and implant care practitioner at Kazemi Oral Surgery & Dental Implants