Dental implants are one of the most successful and reliable ways to replace missing teeth, boasting success rates over 95%. But like any medical treatment, complications can happen. When they do, early detection is key to protecting your health and restoring your smile.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 7 signs that your dental implant may have failed, explain why implants sometimes fail, and discuss your best options for treatment—including when replacement may be necessary.
What to Look Out For
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Persistent Pain That Doesn’t Go Away
Some tenderness is normal after dental implant surgery, especially during the healing process. But if you experience sharp, throbbing, or prolonged pain weeks or months later, it may be a sign of implant failure or infection. Don’t ignore ongoing discomfort—especially if it seems to worsen over time.
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A Loose or Wobbly Implant
A well-placed implant should feel just like a natural tooth. If your implant feels loose when chewing, brushing, or even touching it, that’s a red flag. It could mean the implant hasn’t properly fused to the bone (a process called osseointegration) or that bone loss is occurring.
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Gum Inflammation or Swelling
Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the implant site could indicate an infection known as peri-implantitis. This is a leading cause of implant failure and needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to the gums and jawbone.
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Receding Gums Around the Implant
When the gum tissue pulls back from the implant, it may expose the metal post or cause sensitivity. This can lead to aesthetic concerns and increase the risk of infection. Gum recession is often associated with poor oral hygiene or underlying periodontal disease.
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Difficulty Biting or Chewing
If you start having trouble chewing comfortably or your bite feels “off,” your implant may have shifted or failed to integrate correctly. This can affect your eating habits and strain nearby teeth or restorations.
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Unpleasant Odor or Taste
Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth could signal an underlying infection or leakage from the implant site. These symptoms are often overlooked but can be early warning signs that something’s wrong below the surface.
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Visible Bone Loss on Imaging
Sometimes, the clearest sign of failure is something you can’t see or feel—but your oral surgeon can. X-rays or 3D scans may show bone loss around the implant, suggesting it’s no longer stable. Routine follow-ups are crucial for catching this early.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Implants can fail for several reasons, typically classified as early failure (within 3–4 months) or late failure (after healing is complete):
- Infection at the implant site (peri-implantitis)
- Poor bone quality or quantity
- Smoking or uncontrolled health conditions like diabetes
- Improper implant placement or overloading
- Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism)
At Innovative Oral Surgery, we reduce these risks by performing detailed 3D scans, using advanced surgical techniques, and personalizing every patient’s treatment plan.
What to Do If Your Implant Has Failed
If you suspect a problem, don’t wait. The earlier we address the issue, the better your outcome.
Treatment options may include:
- Non-surgical treatment: For minor gum inflammation or early-stage infection, we may recommend deep cleaning, antibiotics, or laser therapy.
- Surgical removal and replacement: If the implant has loosened or bone loss is advanced, we may need to remove the implant and allow the area to heal before placing a new one.
- Bone grafting: If bone density is too low, grafting helps rebuild the area so it can support a new dental implant securely.
Every treatment plan is custom-designed with your comfort and long-term oral health in mind.
Setting Yourself Up for Implant Success
The good news? With the right care, most implant failures can be prevented. Here’s how to give your implant the best chance of lasting a lifetime:
- Brush and floss daily, and clean around the implant thoroughly
- Avoid tobacco products
- Visit your dentist or oral surgeon regularly for check-ups
- Treat any gum disease before or after implant placement
- Choose a provider who uses advanced technology and a best-practice approach
Our team of board-certified oral surgeons has helped thousands of patients in Bucks County and beyond regain their smiles with long-lasting dental implants.
Think Your Dental Implant May Have Failed? Let’s Talk.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Whether you need a simple adjustment or full replacement, we’re here to help you smile confidently again.
Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations in Feasterville, Newtown, or Abington.
