← All explanationsPeri-implantitis

Can tissues around an implant become inflamed?

Peri-implantitis is inflammation around a dental implant with progressive loss of supporting bone. It must be distinguished from inflammation limited to the soft tissues. Professional examination is needed.

For dental trainees & teams

01 / 03

More than the soft-tissue margin

Peri-implantitis affects supporting bone as well as soft tissue. An implant can therefore develop disease even though it cannot develop tooth decay.

02 / 03

Bleeding is a sign, not a diagnosis

Bleeding, pus or changed probing findings may be present. Bone findings and earlier images help with interpretation.

03 / 03

Early assessment matters

Treatment and further care depend on the findings. Good home care alone does not replace treatment of existing peri-implantitis.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What is affected?

The tissues around a dental implant, including supporting bone.

How does it differ from mucositis?

There is additional progressive loss of supporting bone.

Why seek assessment?

The extent and appropriate treatment require a professional examination.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): Can tissues around an implant become inflamed?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Peri-implantitis or mucositis?

Peri-implantitis involves loss of supporting bone. Peri-implant mucositis is limited to the soft tissues.

Quick answers

Can an implant develop decay?

The implant material does not develop decay. The surrounding tissues can still develop inflammatory disease.

Does any low bone level mean peri-implantitis?

No. Bone level and change are assessed alongside inflammation and clinical history.

Must an affected implant always be removed?

Not automatically. Whether it can be maintained depends on the extent of disease and individual circumstances.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which findings show inflammation, and how is the supporting bone assessed?

Healthy structures and the individual starting point come before treatment selection.

Bleeding or other changes around an implant should be examined.

Ask about an implant checkArrange an appointment with the practice

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Peri-implant: Around a dental implant.
Supporting bone: Bone that anchors the implant.
BOP: Bleeding on probing: bleeding after gentle probing.

Know the difference

A changed bone level alone does not prove active peri-implantitis; inflammation and the course also matter.

Knowledge questionWhich combination characterises peri-implantitis?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

Deposits without inflammatory tissue changes.
Inflammation with progressive loss of supporting bone.
Redness without additional inflammatory bone loss.

Show answer and explanation

Inflammation with progressive loss of supporting bone.

The involvement of supporting bone is a key distinction from mucositis.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.