1) Early crestal bone loss around dental implants is common, with an average of 0.9-1.6mm of bone loss in the first year after loading. Bone loss then slows significantly to around 0.05-0.13mm per year.
2) Factors that can contribute to early crestal bone loss include surgical trauma from heat generation during drilling, excessive pressure during implant placement, periosteal flap elevation, and occlusal overload especially in the first year as the bone adapts to loading.
3) Long-term maintenance of crestal bone is important for implant success and health of the surrounding soft tissues. Peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss but