What if a dental implant fails?
Quick answer
What happens if a dental implant fails?
Failure is uncommon — around 98% of implants succeed in suitable patients who look after them.
If one does fail, it is usually either early (the implant does not fuse with the bone in the first few months) or late (gum infection around the implant, called peri-implantitis, destroys bone years later). A failed implant can normally be removed, the site allowed to heal, and a new implant placed. Call York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet on 01932 348864 if an implant feels loose, sore or the gum bleeds.
What you need to know
Warning signs include an implant or crown that moves, pain on biting, swelling, pus or persistent bleeding around the gum, and gum shrinking to show metal. A loose crown is often just the screw, which is a simple fix — the implant underneath may be perfectly healthy.
The main risks are smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, a history of gum disease, heavy grinding and missed hygiene visits. Most of these can be reduced before treatment, which is why we treat gum disease first and may suggest a night guard afterwards.
Regular reviews spot problems early, when they can be treated with deep cleaning rather than removal. See how long implants last, dental hygiene and dental implants in West Byfleet.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
