There is a foul smell coming from the implant site... If I brush my teeth thoroughly, will it be okay?

Implants require regular maintenance and check-ups even after they are placed. In particular, caution should be taken to prevent peri-implantitis, which is inflammation and infection around the implant.

Peri-implantitis refers to inflammation caused by bacteria invading the surrounding tissues such as the gums or jawbone around an implant prosthesis. It is easier to understand if you think of it as similar to typical periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease. Unlike natural teeth, implants lack nerves, so bacterial infections or inflammation often do not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Yuseong Sun Hospital Dental Center Specialist Yoon Seon-woong said, "There are gaps and holes connecting the implant and the upper prosthesis, and these very small gaps are naturally ideal environments for bacteria to penetrate." He explained, "Bacteria can penetrate even the tiniest spaces between the upper prosthesis and the gums. Natural teeth are protected by surrounding periodontal tissues such as the periodontal ligament, which defend against bacterial invasion, but implants lack the strong ability to inhibit bacterial penetration." Therefore, implants are inherently more susceptible to inflammation compared to natural teeth.

If symptoms such as swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, or bad odor around the implant persist, the severity of the inflammation deepens. If left untreated, the implant may become loose and eventually fall out.

To prevent peri-implantitis, proper management in daily life is essential. Specialist Yoon Sung-woong said, "Implants are strong against vertical pressure but weak against horizontal pressure," and "Horizontal pressure is often applied when eating hard and chewy foods, so avoid frequently eating tough squid, ice, etc., and if damage occurs, visit the dentist immediately."

After placing an implant, it is recommended to visit the dentist once every 6 months to a year for scaling and to check the condition of the teeth. Specialist Yoon Seong-woong said, "Peri-implantitis can progress without symptoms in the early stages, so by the time symptoms appear, it may be too late for treatment, sometimes leading to the removal of the implant," emphasizing that regular dental visits are very important.

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I also couldn't take proper care of my teeth, so I got an implant.

I planted four, but regular visits to the dentist are difficult.

I only go once a year because of that, but quarterly.

I must go and get a regular check-up.