---
title: "What Is Peri-implantitis? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Peri-implantitis is inflammation and bone loss around a dental implant. It is caused by bacteria and is similar to gum disease around a natural tooth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/peri-implantitis
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is inflammation and bone loss around a dental implant. It is caused by bacteria and is similar to gum disease around a natural tooth.

Peri-implantitis is a disease of the tissues around a dental implant. In peri-implantitis, gum inflammation is found around the soft tissue, and there is deterioration in the bone supporting the dental implant. It is related to gum disease, but it affects an implant instead of a natural tooth.

The milder, earlier stage is called peri-implant mucositis. In that stage the inflammation stays in the soft tissue, with no signs of bone loss. It is a precursor to peri-implantitis and may be treated if caught early.

Signs are similar to gum disease: red or tender gums around the implant, or bleeding when brushing. Regular dental checkups matter. Advanced cases usually need surgical treatment. See [dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant), [implant failure](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/implant-failure) and [bone loss](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-loss). Our office describes implants on its [dental implant page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant).

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant)

## Related terms

-   [Dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant)
-   [Implant failure](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/implant-failure)
-   [Bone loss](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-loss)
-   [Gum disease (periodontal disease)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease)
-   [Osseointegration](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/osseointegration)

## 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/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)