--- title: "Implant Failure and Peri-Implantitis: Signs and Causes" description: "Peri-implantitis is gum and bone inflammation around a dental implant. Learn the signs, the risk factors, how it is treated, and how check-ups help." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/implant-failure-and-peri-implantitis publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Implant Failure and Peri-Implantitis: Signs and Causes Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the gum and bone around a dental implant. It can lead to implant failure if bone loss continues. Early signs are red, tender, or bleeding gums. Risk factors include plaque, smoking, gum disease history, and diabetes. Regular check-ups help catch it early. RestorativePublished October 26, 20264 min read ## What is peri-implantitis? Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the gum and bone around a dental implant. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) explains that, as with a natural tooth, bacteria can build up at the base of the implant, below the gum line. Over time the bacteria irritate the gum tissue. If the problem is not caught early, the bone that supports the implant can deteriorate. A peer-reviewed review describes peri-implantitis as an inflammation of the tissue around the implant with loss of the bone at its edge. Your dentist makes the diagnosis by looking at the gums, measuring around the implant, and taking X-rays when needed. ## What is the difference between mucositis and peri-implantitis? The AAP sorts peri-implant diseases into two groups. The table sets them side by side. Peri-implant mucositis Peri-implantitis Where Gum tissue around the implant Gum tissue and the bone that supports the implant Bone loss No signs of bone loss Deterioration of the supporting bone Outlook, per the AAP May be treated and is reversible if caught early Usually requires surgical treatment The AAP adds that mucositis is generally a precursor to peri-implantitis. That is the reason early signs deserve a call to your dentist. Learn more about [peri-implantitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/peri-implantitis) in our glossary. ## How is implant failure related? [Implant failure](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/implant-failure) means the implant no longer does its job. It can come from different causes. One cause is ongoing bone loss around the implant, which peri-implantitis can bring about. A review in a peer-reviewed journal says contaminated connections can cause peri-implantitis and implant failure over time. Not every case of peri-implantitis ends in failure. The goal of early care is to protect the bone before it is lost. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect in your own case. ## What are the signs? The AAP says the signs are similar to gum disease symptoms: red or tender gums around the implants, or bleeding when you brush. Gum disease itself is often silent in the early stages, so you may not feel anything. Call your dentist if you notice: - Red, swollen, or tender gums around an implant - Bleeding when you brush or clean around the implant - A change in how the implant feels or fits when you bite - A loose implant or crown Do not wait for the next routine visit. Early care aims to protect the bone, and your dentist can tell you what to do next. Our [gum disease guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/gum-disease-guide) shows how gum problems around natural teeth look and how they differ. ## Why does plaque matter around an implant? The AAP says implants function just like natural teeth, and that the down side is they are capable of becoming diseased just like a natural tooth. Bacteria collect in [dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque) at the gum line of an implant, as they do on teeth. Left in place, they irritate the gum, much like [gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis) around natural teeth. Daily cleaning removes plaque before it can do that. When the inflammation reaches the bone, the result is [bone loss](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-loss). Bone is what holds the implant in place, so protecting it is the main goal of care. This is why the AAP stresses daily cleaning and regular check-ups for implants. If you have had gum disease around natural teeth, tell your dentist. The AAP lists a previous gum disease diagnosis as a risk factor. ## Who is at higher risk? The AAP lists these risk factors: a previous gum disease diagnosis, poor plaque control, smoking, and diabetes. A review of studies from 2010 to 2020 lists plaque, smoking, history of periodontitis, surface roughness, residual cement, an emergence angle over 30 degrees, radiation therapy, keratinized tissue width, and diabetes, among others, as risk indicators. The review calls them indicators, not proven causes, because few prospective studies exist. The same review reports that peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are common. It gives a mean prevalence of 29.48% for mucositis by implant and 9.25% for peri-implantitis by implant. By patient, the figures are 46.83% and 19.83%. These figures come from pooled studies and may not match any one practice. ## How is peri-implantitis treated? Treatment depends on how far the problem has gone. The review divides treatment into nonsurgical care (mechanical cleaning, antiseptics, and antibiotics), surface decontamination with chemicals or lasers, and surgery. It adds that mechanical cleaning alone may fail to remove the bacteria, so it is often combined with other treatments. The AAP says mucositis may be treated and is reversible if caught early, while peri-implantitis usually requires surgical treatment. Your dentist will explain which steps fit you. Our [periodontal care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care) page describes the office’s own gum care. ## How can I help protect my implant? The AAP says implants need regular tooth brushing and flossing, plus regular check-ups from a dental professional. It adds that it is essential to routinely monitor implants as part of a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Simple steps help: 1. Brush twice a day and clean around the implant as your dentist shows you. 2. Keep your cleaning and check-up visits. 3. Tell your dentist if you smoke or have diabetes. 4. Mention any bleeding or tenderness early. For the full picture of steps and risks, see our [dental implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide). ## Next step Town Center Dental’s [dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) page gives the office’s own description of implants. If you have an implant and notice red, tender, or bleeding gums, call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is peri-implantitis? Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the gum around a dental implant with loss of the bone that supports it. The American Academy of Periodontology says bacteria can build up at the base of the implant, below the gum line, and irritate the tissue. A dentist makes the diagnosis. ### What are the signs of peri-implantitis? The AAP says the signs are similar to gum disease: red or tender gums around the implant, or bleeding when brushing. Gum disease can also be silent. That is why regular check-ups matter, even when nothing hurts. ### Can peri-implantitis be treated? The AAP says the early stage, peri-implant mucositis, may be treated and is reversible if caught early. It says peri-implantitis usually requires surgical treatment. Your dentist will explain which options fit your case. ### Who is at higher risk? The AAP names previous gum disease, poor plaque control, smoking, and diabetes as risk factors. A review in a peer-reviewed journal lists plaque, smoking, history of periodontitis, residual cement, and diabetes among others. Tell your dentist about your history. ## Terms on this page - [Gum disease (periodontal disease)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease) - [Peri-implantitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/peri-implantitis) - [Implant failure](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/implant-failure) - [Dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque) - [Periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis) - [Gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis) - [Bone loss](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-loss) - [Flossing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/flossing) ## Sources 1. [American Academy of Periodontology: Peri-Implant Diseases](https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/) 2. [American Academy of Periodontology: Peri-Implant Diseases](https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/) 3. [American Academy of Periodontology: Peri-Implant Diseases](https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/) 4. [American Academy of Periodontology: Peri-Implant Diseases](https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/) 5. [American Academy of Periodontology: Peri-Implant Diseases](https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/) 6. [American Academy of Periodontology: Peri-Implant Diseases](https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/) 7. [PMC (peer reviewed): Peri-implantitis Update: Risk Indicators, Diagnosis, and Treatment](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7536094/) 8. [PMC (peer reviewed): Peri-implantitis Update: Risk Indicators, Diagnosis, and Treatment](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7536094/) 9. [PMC (peer reviewed): Peri-implantitis Update: Risk Indicators, Diagnosis, and Treatment](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7536094/) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Dental implants: steps, timeline, recovery and risksA dental implant is a post that replaces a tooth root, topped with a crown, bridge or denture. Cleveland Clinic says bone takes about three to nine months to fuse with it. Implants usually last longer than dentures that rest on the gums. Your dentist decides if you are a candidate.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide) - [Gum Disease: How to Spot It and How Dentists Treat ItGum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Early signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, but some people have no warning signs. A dentist measures the pockets around your teeth and takes X-rays. Treatment ranges from a regular cleaning to a deep cleaning or surgery.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/gum-disease-guide) - [Bone grafts and sinus lifts for dental implantsYou may need a bone graft if your jawbone is too thin or soft to hold an implant. Cleveland Clinic says initial recovery takes about a week, the graft needs at least three months to heal, and a large graft can take nine to 12 months. A sinus lift adds bone in the upper back jaw.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/bone-grafts-and-sinus-lifts) - [Dentures vs implants for several or all teethTraditional dentures rest on the gums and come out for cleaning. Implant-supported dentures attach to posts in the jawbone and feel more stable. Cleveland Clinic says implants help prevent bone loss but typically cost more. The right choice depends on your bone, health, goals and budget.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dentures-vs-implants) - [Missing tooth: implant, bridge or partial denture?Three common ways to replace one missing tooth are an implant, a bridge and a partial denture. An implant replaces the root and does not use neighbor teeth. A bridge is fixed to the teeth beside the gap. A partial denture is removable. Your dentist helps you choose after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/replacing-a-missing-tooth) - [Cavities explained: causes, decay without pain and treatmentYes, you can have a cavity without pain. NIDCR says early tooth decay usually has no symptoms, so dentists find it at checkups and on X-rays. Very early enamel damage can sometimes be stopped with fluoride. Once a hole forms, the usual treatment is a filling.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cavities-explained) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)