Bone Loss Around Dental Implants
Posted on 4/15/2026 by Westwood Periodontics |
 Dental implants are widely regarded as one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth.
For most patients, implants function beautifully for decades with minimal complications. But like any restoration, they are not entirely immune to problems.
One concern that periodontists monitor closely is bone loss around the implant site, a condition known as peri-implant bone loss.
Understanding what causes this, how common it is, and what can be done about it can help you protect your investment and your oral health for the long term.
Why Does Bone Loss Occur Around Implants?
When a dental implant is placed, the surrounding bone bonds to the implant surface through a process called osseointegration.
This bond is what gives the implant its strength and stability. Under healthy conditions, the bone maintains this connection over time. However, several factors can disrupt that balance and cause the bone to gradually recede.
The most common cause is a bacterial infection known as peri-implantitis. This condition is similar to periodontitis, which affects natural teeth, but it targets the tissue and bone surrounding an implant.
Bacterial biofilm accumulates at the gumline, triggering inflammation that, if left untreated, progressively destroys the bone that supports the implant.
Other contributing factors include:
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Poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to build up around the implant
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A history of periodontal disease prior to implant placement
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Smoking or tobacco use, which impairs healing and immune response
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Uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic conditions affecting bone health
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Excessive biting forces or a misaligned bite that stresses the implant
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Insufficient bone density at the time of placement
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Loose or poorly fitted restorations that create gaps where bacteria can enter |
Some degree of bone remodeling naturally occurs after implant placement. A small amount of bone change in the first year is considered normal as the body adjusts to the new implant.
Bone loss becomes a clinical concern when it continues beyond that initial phase or when it progresses at a rate that threatens the implant's stability.
How Common Is Peri-Implant Bone Loss?
Research suggests that peri-implant diseases affect a meaningful portion of implant patients. Studies have found that peri-implantitis, the more serious form involving bone loss, occurs in roughly 10 to 20 percent of implants over time.
Patients who have a history of gum disease, smoke, or have poor oral hygiene are at significantly higher risk.
This does not mean implants are unreliable. The vast majority of implants remain healthy and fully functional when patients follow through with regular maintenance and professional care.
Awareness and early intervention are the most effective tools available.
What Should Patients Watch For?
Bone loss around an implant does not always produce obvious pain in the early stages, which makes routine monitoring by a periodontist especially important.
That said, there are warning signs patients should not ignore.
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Bleeding or swollen gums around the implant site
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Redness or tenderness near the implant
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Gum recession that makes the implant look longer than it used to
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A feeling of looseness or movement in the implant
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Discomfort when chewing or biting
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Bad breath or an unusual taste that does not resolve with normal brushing |
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Westwood Periodontics promptly. The earlier a problem is identified, the more treatment options are available and the better the chances of preserving the implant.
Can a Periodontist Treat Bone Loss Around an Implant?
Yes, and this is an area where specialized periodontic care makes a genuine difference. The appropriate treatment depends on how much bone has been lost and how far the condition has progressed.
For mild to moderate cases, non-surgical approaches are often effective. These include thorough professional cleaning of the implant surface to remove bacterial deposits, along with local antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses to control infection.
Patients are also given detailed guidance on home care techniques specific to implant maintenance.
When bone loss is more significant, surgical intervention may be necessary. A periodontist can access the affected area directly to decontaminate the implant surface and, in some cases, use bone grafting techniques to regenerate lost bone tissue.
Regenerative procedures have improved considerably and can restore meaningful bone support around implants that might otherwise be compromised.
In the most advanced cases, where the implant has lost too much support to be salvageable, removal may be the safest course. Once the site has healed, many patients are candidates for a new implant following proper treatment and preparation.
Prevention Starts With a Plan
The best outcomes begin before an implant is placed. At Westwood Periodontics, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation that includes assessment of bone volume, gum health, and any risk factors that could affect long-term implant success.
After placement, a structured maintenance schedule helps ensure that any early changes are caught and addressed before they escalate.
If you have dental implants and have not had a periodontal evaluation recently, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, call our office at (551) 751-2024 to schedule an appointment.
Protecting your implants is an ongoing process, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. |
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