Peri-implantitis: What It Is, Who Gets It, and How to Stop It

When a dental implant fails, it’s often not because the metal broke—it’s because the gum and bone around it got infected. That’s peri-implantitis, a progressive inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around dental implants, often leading to bone loss and implant failure. Also known as implant gum disease, it’s the leading cause of long-term implant problems after the first year. If you’ve had an implant placed and notice bleeding when brushing, swelling near the implant, or a strange taste in your mouth, don’t ignore it. This isn’t just bad breath—it’s your body fighting an infection that’s eating away at the bone holding your implant in place.

Peri-implantitis doesn’t happen overnight. It usually starts as gingivitis, a milder, reversible form of gum inflammation that affects natural teeth and can spread to implants if untreated. Left unchecked, bacteria build up under the gumline, forming plaque and tartar around the implant. Your immune system reacts, but instead of healing, the bone begins to break down. People with a history of periodontal disease, chronic gum infection that destroys the supporting structures of natural teeth are at higher risk. So are smokers, diabetics, and those who don’t clean their implants properly. It’s not just about brushing—you need to clean between the implant and gum with special tools, and regular dental checkups are non-negotiable.

Many people think once an implant is placed, they’re done with dental visits. That’s a dangerous myth. Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t have a periodontal ligament to warn you when something’s wrong. By the time you feel pain, the bone loss might already be advanced. Early signs? Bleeding on probing, pus, increased pocket depth, and visible bone loss on X-rays. Treatment isn’t always surgery. In early stages, deep cleaning, antibiotics, and improved hygiene can stop it. But if the bone is gone, you might need grafts—or worse, implant removal. Prevention is cheaper, easier, and far less stressful than fixing it later.

What you’ll find below are real stories and facts from people who’ve dealt with this exact problem. You’ll see how common it is, who’s most at risk, and what actually works to protect your implants. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know to keep your implants healthy for life.