Bleeding, swelling, a bad taste, bone loss on an x-ray, or an implant that feels loose. These are signs of peri-implantitis, the disease that destroys the bone around an implant. It does not fix itself, but caught early it is very treatable. We see failing implants from across Eastern Washington, wherever they were placed.
An implant has no ligament and no natural defence around it the way a tooth does. When bacteria get established under the gum beside it, the bone starts to melt away, often without pain. First the gum bleeds or swells. Then the x-ray shows a cup of lost bone around the top of the implant. Left alone, the implant eventually loosens and is lost, and the bone it took with it makes a replacement harder.
The point that matters: early peri-implantitis is usually treatable. Late peri-implantitis usually is not. The difference is often a matter of months.
When a patient comes to us with an implant placed elsewhere, three things account for most of what we see:
Often, yes, if the implant is still firm. Depending on how much bone has been lost:
Who wrote the rules on this? One of our own doctors. Dr. Saleh was a lead author of the American Academy of Periodontology and Academy of Osseointegration guidelines on preventing and treating peri-implant disease.
You do not need a referral, and it does not matter who placed the implant. We see this from all three of our offices.
If you see bleeding, suppuration or radiographic bone loss around an implant, the single most useful thing you can do is remove the crown, place a cover screw or healing abutment, and send the patient to us straight away. Taking the restoration off takes the load off the implant and gives us access; sending promptly is what decides whether the implant is saveable. We report back after the consultation and the restorative relationship stays with you. Details on the referring doctors page.
Dennis is a real patient of Dr. Alkanan and gave permission to share his story. Whether an implant can be saved depends on your own scan and exam.
Board certification is the highest credential in periodontics, and both of our doctors hold it. Complex cases here are reviewed by both: the surgeon who will do the work, and the specialist who helped write the research it rests on. A second opinion is built in, with no extra step for you.
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology · Faculty, PNWU School of Dental Medicine
Founder of the practice. Trained in the UK and the United States, teaches periodontics at the dental school in Yakima and lectures internationally. Conservative planning, honest advice, and no corners cut.
Read his full bio
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology · Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
More than 140 published papers and a lead author of the national guidelines on disease around implants. Other surgeons travel to learn implant surgery from him. Calm, thorough, and clear about what he is doing and why.
Read his full bioWhen your dentist wants a specialist involved, this is where they send you.
We can't put a real number on a webpage, because the honest answer depends on what your exam and 3D scan show. What we can promise is that you'll get a written treatment plan with an exact figure on it before you commit to anything. No surprises added later.
Most patients have some insurance coverage, and we'll check yours and tell you what it will and won't pay. For the balance, we work with three financing companies so you can spread the cost over time — many patients qualify for plans with no interest if paid within the promotional period.
Ask us at your consultation and we'll walk you through the options and the monthly numbers.
Call any of our three offices, or send us a request and we'll get back to you. Phone hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm.