Gum Recession Around a Dental Implant: Why It Happens and How It's Fixed
Posted on 9/1/2026 by Westwood Periodontics |
 Dental implants have a well-earned reputation as one of the most reliable ways to replace a missing tooth.
But an implant is only as good as the gum and bone tissue supporting it — and when that tissue starts to pull back, it can turn a confident smile into a source of worry.
At Westwood Periodontics, Dr. Priyu Gupta sees patients regularly who notice their implant "looks longer" than it used to, or that the metal edge of the crown has become visible near the gumline.
This is gum recession around an implant, and while it's more common than most patients realize, it's also very treatable when caught early.
What Gum Recession Around an Implant Looks Like
Unlike a natural tooth, an implant doesn't have a periodontal ligament — the network of fibers that helps anchor a tooth root and supply it with blood flow.
Instead, an implant relies entirely on the surrounding gum tissue and jawbone for support and a healthy appearance.
When that tissue recedes, patients may notice a grayish or metallic hue peeking through at the gumline, a gap or dark triangle between the implant crown and the neighboring tooth, or mild sensitivity in the area.
Because implants don't decay the way natural teeth do, recession is usually the first visible sign that something around the implant needs attention.
Why Recession Happens
There isn't one single cause of peri-implant gum recession — it's typically a combination of factors, and identifying which ones apply to a specific patient is a key part of Dr. Gupta's evaluation.
Thin or Insufficient Gum Tissue
Some patients simply have naturally thin gum tissue, sometimes called a "thin biotype."
Thin tissue is more delicate and more prone to shrinking back over time, especially around an implant that doesn't have the same biological support system as a natural tooth.
Improper Implant Positioning
If an implant was placed too close to the outer surface of the jawbone, or angled in a way that doesn't leave enough bone and tissue to cover it, recession is much more likely.
This is one of the most common reasons patients seek a second opinion from a periodontist after treatment elsewhere.
Peri-implantitis
This is essentially gum disease around an implant, caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque at the implant site. Left untreated, it leads to inflammation, bone loss, and gum recession, much like periodontal disease affects natural teeth.
Bruxism and Bite Forces
Grinding or clenching the teeth places excess force on an implant and the surrounding tissue, which can accelerate tissue breakdown over time.
Aggressive Brushing or Ill-Fitting Restorations
Brushing too hard, or a crown that doesn't fit the gum contour properly, can also irritate and wear down the tissue around an implant.
Smoking and Underlying Health Conditions
Tobacco use restricts blood flow to the gums, slowing healing and making tissue more vulnerable to recession. Uncontrolled diabetes can have a similar effect.
Why It Shouldn't Be Ignored
Gum recession around an implant isn't only a cosmetic concern. As tissue pulls back, more of the implant's surface is exposed, which can make the area harder to keep clean and more susceptible to bacterial buildup.
Left unaddressed, this cycle can progress to bone loss, and in more serious cases, implant failure. Catching recession early gives Dr. Gupta far more options for correcting it — and helps protect the investment a patient has already made in their implant.
How Dr. Gupta Diagnoses the Problem
Every case starts with a thorough evaluation, including a visual exam, measurement of the tissue and bone levels around the implant, and imaging when needed to check what's happening below the gumline.
Because recession can stem from several different causes at once, Dr. Gupta takes the time to understand the full picture — the implant's position, the thickness of the surrounding tissue, oral hygiene habits, and bite alignment — before recommending a treatment path.
How Gum Recession Around an Implant Is Fixed
The right fix depends on the underlying cause and how much tissue has been lost, but several proven options are available:
Soft Tissue Grafting
This is the most common solution. Dr. Gupta takes a small amount of tissue, often from the roof of the mouth or a donor source, and grafts it around the implant to rebuild volume and coverage.
This not only improves appearance but also creates a thicker, more resilient band of tissue that resists future recession.
Treating Peri-implantitis First
If gum disease around the implant is driving the recession, that infection needs to be brought under control before any grafting can succeed. This may involve deep cleaning around the implant surface, antimicrobial treatment, or in some cases minor surgical intervention.
Addressing the Bite
If teeth clenching or grinding is contributing to the problem, a custom night guard can relieve pressure on the implant and surrounding tissue.
Restorative Adjustments
Occasionally, the crown itself needs to be reshaped or replaced so it fits the gum contour correctly and stops causing irritation.
In More Complex Cases, Implant Repositioning
If the original implant placement is the root cause, Dr. Gupta will discuss whether the implant can be managed in place or whether removal and replacement offers a better long-term outcome.
A Team That Specializes in Getting Implants Right
Because Dr. Gupta's training focuses specifically on periodontics and implant dentistry, she's often the one patients turn to when an implant hasn't healed the way it should — whether she placed it originally or another provider did.
Compassionate, conservative, patient-centered care means starting with the least invasive option that will actually solve the problem, and being honest with patients about what to expect.
If you've noticed changes in the gum tissue around your implant, don't wait for it to become a bigger issue. The team at Westwood Periodontics is here to evaluate what's going on and map out a clear path to a healthy, comfortable smile again. |
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