Bleeding does not answer every question
Inflammation of the soft tissues around an implant and peri-implantitis are different diagnoses. An examination, including assessment of bone support, is needed to distinguish them. This cannot be established from a photograph of the gum sent by phone.
You may notice a change in taste, bleeding during cleaning or more difficulty reaching beneath the crown. Note when the problem started and whether it recurs. An absence of pain is not a sufficient reason to postpone a check-up.
What to say when booking
Explain when and where the implant was placed and how long you have had symptoms. If the crown or the whole restoration moves, say so clearly. Do not repeatedly test movement with your tongue or fingers; the dentist needs to distinguish a loose restoration from a problem with the implant itself.
Ask for urgent assessment if swelling, pus or pain is increasing. Difficulty breathing or swallowing and rapidly increasing swelling require immediate medical help; in Poland, call 112.
Useful records for an implant assessment
Details of the implant system and previous images help establish the treatment history. If you do not have them, ask your previous practice for a copy of your records. However, do not delay contacting a dentist solely because a document is missing.
- The dates of implant placement and fitting of the crown or bridge.
- Your implant passport or the system name, if available.
- Previous images and advice from follow-up visits.
- A list of medicines, health conditions and information about smoking.
- An explanation of how you clean the restoration and which areas are difficult to reach.
What to ask after the examination
Ask the dentist to name the diagnosis and explain the findings supporting it. It helps to know whether the main problem concerns the tissues, access for cleaning, a prosthetic component or several issues together. Also ask whether earlier examinations are available for comparison.
| Question | What it helps establish |
|---|---|
| What is the diagnosis? | The distinction between soft-tissue inflammation and bone involvement. |
| What is the first stage? | The scope of treatment and how its effect will be assessed. |
| Can I clean the restoration properly? | Whether different cleaning aids or changes to access are needed. |
| When is the follow-up? | When reassessment is due and which symptoms need earlier contact. |
Treatment may involve more than one procedure
The EFP guideline describes treatment in stages, assessing the response to non-surgical treatment and deciding further treatment according to the result. Not every case needs the same procedure, and not every implant can be retained.
Before consenting, ask about the aim of the proposed stage, its limitations, alternatives and cost. The name of a device or an advertisement for one procedure cannot replace a diagnosis. An antibiotic, if prescribed, is not a stand-alone substitute for treating the cause.
Agree a specific follow-up plan after treatment
Ask for a demonstration of cleaning around your own restoration, rather than only general advice to ‘brush better’. Write down the aids and areas the dentist identifies, and when reassessment will take place.
At a DentalBlue consultation in Białystok, also show records of any treatment carried out elsewhere. Booking an appointment does not determine the treatment method or whether the implant can be retained; these questions require an examination.
Frequently asked questions
Does peri-implantitis always cause pain?
No. Bleeding or other changes around an implant should also be reported when there is no pain.
Does bleeding always mean the implant will be lost?
No. The diagnosis and extent of the problem need to be established first; the symptom alone cannot predict the treatment outcome.
Can I use antibiotics left over from previous treatment?
Do not use leftover medicines on your own. Report your symptoms and agree the next steps with your dentist.
Do I need an implant passport?
If you have one, bring it. Earlier records are also useful, but a lack of documentation should not delay reporting symptoms.
Sources
An informational article. It does not replace a consultation, and treatment decisions are made during a visit.
