What you're experiencing is one of the complication that arises from dental implants. It is called peri-implantitis, a type of gum disease/gum infection that causes bone loss and eventually, implant failure.
Depending on the dental condition, treatment options include:
1) treating the infection of the surrounding tissues without removing dental implant
2) removing dental implant and treat the infection
For the latter, it is done in more serious cases of peri-implantitis so as to prevent the infection from spreading further.
If the infection is not too bad, bone graft can be done immediately to restore the bone loss. However, if the infection is too great, then the area will be left to heal first.
Depending on the extent of infection, we would generally wait 2 to 3 months before placing a new dental implant to replace the missing tooth.
In order to advise on the suitable treatment option, you will need to be examined clinically and radiographically.
Best regards
Dr Ho Kok Sen
