Management of Implant Infection in Lakewood, WA

While dental implants have a remarkably high success rate, they are not immune to infection. The leading threat is Peri-implantitis, a condition where bacteria settle deep into the gums around the implant, causing inflammation and, eventually, bone loss. For patients in Lakewood and Tacoma, Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS offers specialized protocols to detect, arrest, and treat these infections. As a Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kim doesn’t just treat the symptoms; he uses advanced technology to decontaminate the implant surface and rebuild the foundation to save your smile.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Early detection is the most critical factor in saving an infected implant. Because implants don’t have nerves like natural teeth, you might not feel pain until the infection is advanced. Watch for these “red flags”:

• Bleeding or Pus: Any bleeding while brushing or the presence of a white discharge (suppuration) around the implant.
• Persistent Redness and Swelling: Gums that look “puffy,” deep red, or purple instead of a healthy coral pink.
• A “Loose” Feeling: If the crown feels like it is moving, it could mean the bone is no longer holding the implant securely.
• Bad Taste or Odor: A localized bad taste that doesn’t go away with brushing.

Specialized Specialist Treatments

At Dental Health Associates, we move beyond simple cleanings to manage infections. Depending on the severity of the case, Dr. Kim utilizes a range of specialized interventions:

• Non-Surgical Debridement: Using specialized plastic or resin-coated instruments that won’t scratch the titanium, we meticulously remove the bacterial biofilm from the implant surface.
• Laser Therapy (LAPIP™): Dr. Kim utilizes the Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. This advanced laser vaporizes bacteria and diseased tissue deep in the pocket while leaving healthy tissue intact. It is one of the most effective ways to stimulate bone regrowth around an ailing implant.
• Antimicrobial Detoxification: We use chemical agents like citric acid or chlorhexidine to “wash” the microscopic threads of the implant, killing bacteria that manual tools can’t reach.
• Regenerative Surgery: If significant bone has been lost, Dr. Kim can perform Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR). This involves placing bone graft material and a protective membrane to “re-grow” the lost support around the implant.

Why Specialists Excel at Infection Management

Patients from University Place, Steilacoom, and JBLM seek out Dr. Kim specifically for his 20+ years of periodontal expertise. General dental cleanings are often not enough to stop peri-implantitis because the infection hides in the microscopic “pores” of the titanium. Dr. Kim’s advanced training allows him to:

• Use CBCT 3D Imaging to see exactly how much bone has been lost in three dimensions.
• Differentiate between Peri-implant Mucositis (reversible gum inflammation) and Peri-implantitis (permanent bone loss).
• Create a “closed system” using lasers to allow the body to heal without traditional, painful “flap” surgery.

Proactive Protection for the Future

Once an infection is under control, maintenance is the key to longevity. Dr. Kim and his team will customize a home-care plan for you, which may include specialized “implant-safe” floss, water flossers, and more frequent professional “Periodontal Maintenance” visits.

To learn more about the risks and treatments for peri-implant disease, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the Academy of Osseointegration.