AIM: The aim of the present experiment was to study peri-implant tissue reactions to lateral static load at implants subjected to experimental mucositis or peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5 beagle dogs were used. The mandibular premolars were extracted. After 12 weeks, 3 implants were installed in each quadrant of the mandible. In one side, the implants were designed with a SLA surface and in the contralateral side with a turned surface. A plaque control program was initiated. 12 weeks later, the central and posterior implants were connected with an appliance containing an expansion screw. Cotton ligatures were placed around the neck of the anterior and posterior implants in both sides, and the plaque control measures were terminated. Sixteen weeks later the ligatures were removed. After 8 weeks without ligatures, the expansion screws in both sides were activated. Once every 2 week during a 12-week interval, the screws were reactivated. Thus, the model included 3 different experimental sites of each surface group: group M+L (mucositis+load); group P (peri-implantitis); group P+L (peri-implantitis+load). Fluorochrome labels were injected and standardized radiographs obtained. The animals were sacrificed and block biopsies of all implant sites dissected and prepared for histological analysis. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that the lateral static load failed to induce peri-implant bone loss at implants with mucositis and failed to enhance the bone loss at implants with experimental peri-implantitis. The proportion of bone labels and the bone density in the interface zone were significantly higher in group P+L than in group P. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that a lateral static load with controlled forces may not be detrimental to implants exhibiting mucositis or peri-implantitis.