Peri-Implantitis Treatment in Lakewood, WA

Q: How do dentists treat peri-implantitis?

Treatment for infection at the implant site typically involves the use of prescribed antibiotics. If an infection leads to the bone failing to fuse with the implant (peri-implantitis), the implant is removed, the bone is cleaned, and the procedure can be attempted again after approximately three months of healing.

For patients in Lakewood and Tacoma, a dental implant is an investment intended to last a lifetime. However, just like a natural tooth can develop gum disease, an implant can develop Peri-implantitis. This is a serious inflammatory condition that attacks the soft tissue and bone surrounding the implant. If left untreated, the bone that anchors your implant can dissolve, leading to implant failure. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we specialize in advanced periodontal therapies designed to stop the infection, decontaminate the site, and, in many cases, actually regrow the lost bone to save your smile.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Because dental implants do not have nerves, peri-implantitis is often painless in its early stages. Neighbors in University Place and Steilacoom should watch for these “red flags”:

Bleeding or Pus: Any blood while brushing or the presence of a white discharge around the implant site.
Redness and Swelling: Gums that look “puffy,” deep red, or purple instead of a healthy coral pink.
Receding Gums: The metal threads of the implant become visible as the gum line pulls away.
A “Loose” Feeling: Any movement in the crown or the implant post itself is a sign of advanced bone loss.

Specialist-Level Treatment Options

As a specialized Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kim utilizes a multi-tiered approach to treat peri-implantitis, depending on how much bone has been affected:

LAPIP™ (Laser Treatment): Dr. Kim is a provider of the Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. This revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment uses a specific laser wavelength to vaporize bacteria and infected tissue deep in the gum pocket without harming healthy tissue. It is a “closed system” that encourages the body to heal and can even stimulate bone regeneration.
Advanced Decontamination: Standard cleaning tools can scratch titanium. We use specialized carbon fiber or resin instruments and air-powder polishing to “pressure wash” the microscopic threads of the implant, removing the bacterial biofilm that traditional methods miss.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): If the infection has caused a “crater” in the bone, Dr. Kim can perform a bone graft. By placing donor bone and a protective membrane, he creates a scaffold that allows your body to regrow the lost support around the implant.
Antimicrobial Therapy: We may use localized or systemic antibiotics to kill the specific anaerobic bacteria that drive peri-implant disease, complementing our physical cleaning efforts.

Why Seek a Periodontist for “Ailing” Implants?

Treating an infected implant is significantly more complex than treating a natural tooth. Patients from Oakbrook to JBLM seek out Dr. Kevin Kim because of his 20+ years of surgical expertise. General cleanings often fail to reach the deep “pockets” where peri-implantitis hides. Dr. Kim uses CBCT 3D Imaging to visualize the bone loss in three dimensions, allowing for a precise surgical plan that targets the infection while preserving the integrity of the implant.

Proactive Maintenance in the South Sound

Once the infection is arrested, our goal shifts to prevention. We provide a customized “Implant Health Plan” that includes specialized tools like water flossers and more frequent Periodontal Maintenance visits. To learn more about the research behind saving failing implants, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the Academy of Osseointegration.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Service

Who performs dental implant surgery?

Dental specialists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists, often work together to provide comprehensive dental implant surgery. This multispecialty approach ensures that all stages of the procedure, from bone grafting to the placement of artificial teeth, are handled by experts in each specific field.

How do dentists treat peri-implantitis?

While the specific term “peri-implantitis” refers to infection at the implant site, treatment typically involves the use of prescribed antibiotics. If an infection leads to the bone failing to fuse with the implant, the implant may be removed, the area cleaned, and the procedure can be attempted again after approximately three months of healing.

Is dental implant minor or major surgery?

Dental implant surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and can be done in stages. Depending on the complexity and the patient’s needs, it may involve minor steps like placing an abutment or more involved procedures like bone grafting, with various anesthesia options available to ensure patient comfort.

What is the biggest problem with dental implants?

The primary complication is the failure of the bone to fuse properly to the metal implant, a process known as osseointegration. Factors such as smoking can increase the risk of this failure, which may necessitate the removal of the implant and a period of healing before a second attempt is made.