Dental implants are one of the most consistently successful surgeries there are. When executed by a top specialist they have a 98% success rate-they rarely fail. With proper aftercare and diligence, good dental hygiene and eating habits, there is very little chance of your dental implant failing.

Once in a while they do fail however, and it is important to address a failing implant as soon as possible in order to avoid even bigger problems.

Why do Dental Implants Fail?

Some people may experience early implant rejection. Occasionally the body will resist the insertion of a foreign substance, such as the metal of an implant. This can lead to infection or pain. This will typically happen very soon after the surgery when the gums and tissues are still sensitive and unhealed.

A late implant rejection can occur further down the road of healing time. The bite may be uneven, causing unnecessary wear and tear on the rest of your teeth or jaw.

It is very important to practice good dental hygiene in every step of your recovery process. Even after years of success, an implant may fail as a result of poor dental hygiene. You may have a “fake” tooth  but your mouth and gums are still very much your own, and they need to be healthy and strong in order to support your dental implant.

A bone graft is often necessary for the insertion point of dental implants, and they provide another potential issue for implant failure. The bone graft can be misplaced, leading to implant failure. We provide advanced 3D cone beam technology, allowing us to avoid this issue.

Many of my patients come to me with failing older implants. The technology for dental implants has come a very long ways in a short period of time, and these older implants simply didn’t have the technological advantages that we have today in order to be successful.

Signs of Dental Implant Failure

If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain at the site of your dental implant, see your implant provider right away! Ignoring signs of infection can cause further damage, as well as expense and hassle.

If your implant feels loose, let your provider know right away. If you have any bleeding in your gums, even if it’s very minimal, you may be experiencing implant failure.

It is crucial that you address these signs of implant failure as soon as possible. Pain or bleeding should not be occurring, and ignoring these symptoms may cause you more pain and expense in the long run.

Can My Failing Implant Be Fixed?

Your failing implant is definitely not a lost cause! I have repaired many implant failures in my career, and have helped many people return to the road of oral health.

Dental implants are my specialty and passion- I’ve built my practice around them. I am one of the top implant providers in the area, and I am always working to further my education. We provide sedation dentistry for those who suffer dental phobia, and I use some of the best technology available for dental implants.

If you think you may have a failing dental implant, give us a call today! We offer free consultations, and we provide care to patients all over the Greater Bay Area, including San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Altos and Mountain View. Don’t wait another day to get your implant back in tip top shape!