What to Do If Your Dental Implant Fails

Early Warning Signs That Something Might Be Wrong

Most patients notice something feels wrong before an implant completely fails. Persistent discomfort around the implant site often signals trouble. Your implant might shift slightly while you eat or speak. Some people experience bleeding gums that won’t heal, even with good hygiene.

Swelling that persists beyond the initial healing period demands attention. A metallic taste or visible threads showing through the gum line are red flags. These symptoms can develop months or even years after your original surgery.

Common Reasons Implants Stop Working

Infection ranks among the most common culprits. Bacteria infiltrate the tissue around an implant and trigger peri-implantitis. This condition resembles gum disease but attacks the bone supporting your implant.

Poor initial planning creates problems that surface later. Surgeons who skip 3D CT imaging might miss critical details about your bone density or nerve locations. Insufficient bone volume, uncontrolled diabetes, or heavy smoking all increase failure risk.

Sometimes the implant simply never fuses with your jawbone through osseointegration.

Treatment Options That Address the Root Problem

The approach depends on what went wrong. Simple infections might respond to antibiotics and deep cleaning. More serious situations require removing the failed implant to treat the underlying issue.

Many patients need bone grafting to rebuild lost structure. Surgeons can harvest bone from another area of your mouth, use donor material, or apply synthetic grafts. This foundation must heal completely over three to six months before placing a new implant.

When Standard Techniques Won’t Work

Some failures involve extensive bone deterioration that standard grafting can’t resolve. Zygomatic implants anchor into your cheekbone instead of your jaw, bypassing the damaged area entirely.

Patients who’ve been told nothing can be done often qualify for this approach. If you’re researching options after multiple setbacks, zygomatic implants for severe bone loss might provide the solution you need.

What Happens During Revision Surgery

Your first appointment involves comprehensive imaging and examination. The surgeon will assess bone quality, check for infection, and review your medical history.

How much you’ll pay depends on the complexity of your situation. Simple re-implantation differs significantly from cases requiring bone grafts or zygomatic placement.

Treatment unfolds in stages: infection control, bone restoration if needed, and placement of the new implant once conditions support success.

How to Protect Your Investment After Revision

Success depends partly on factors you can control. Smoking dramatically increases failure risk by restricting blood flow to healing tissues.

Good oral hygiene protects your investment. Brush twice daily, floss around implants carefully, and use antimicrobial rinses as directed. Regular professional cleanings catch problems early.

Medical Conditions That Impact Healing

Conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis affect how well bone heals and integrates with implants. Getting these issues under control before revision improves your chances of long-term success.

Some medications interfere with bone healing, so discuss your full medication list during planning.

Finding Someone Who Handles Complex Cases

Not all dental practices handle revision cases routinely. Complex situations need experience with bone grafting, soft tissue management, and alternative techniques.

Surgeons who regularly perform zygomatic placements develop skills that general practitioners rarely acquire.

Specialists who manage hundreds of revision cases understand the anatomy challenges that arise once standard implant sites have been compromised.

Getting Started With Your Revision

If your implant is failing, waiting makes the situation worse. Bone continues deteriorating, adjacent teeth can shift, and infections spread.

Schedule a consultation with a qualified specialist. Bring any records from your original surgery, including X-rays if available.

Implant failure feels devastating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Most patients regain full function and confidence with the right approach.