The Chairside Instructor 38 Peri-Implantitis Implants are not invincible! Just like your natural teeth, implants can last for many years if you take good care of them every day. But, you can still experience problems with implants if they are not properly maintained. This may lead to implant infection and inflammation — known as peri-implantitis. This can cause your implant to become loose or shift because the bacteria and soft tissue is preventing your jaw bone from growing around the abutment. If the infection is not treated, it could spread to other parts of your mouth and your implant may need to be removed and/or replaced. Peri-Implantitis (the inflammation and bone loss around implants of soft tissue around the implant). Bone Loss and Gum Recession Peri-Implantitis Bone and gum recession with implant exposure. Implants Tooth Replacement