At Citydent, we don't only provide implant treatments for patients missing teeth — we also treat patients who have had implants fail at other clinics. If you’re experiencing problems with an existing implant, contact us easily via WhatsApp, phone, or email to get fast and clear information on possible solutions and pricing.

🔍 What are the signs and symptoms of a failed dental implant?

For a complete overview of possible implant complications, visit our page on problems after dental implants.

A failed dental implant can present with a variety of warning signs. Recognizing these symptoms of dental implant failure early is critical for timely intervention and treatment.

➤ Persistent Pain or Discomfort
Pain that worsens or persists after the healing phase may indicate implant failure. It could radiate to nearby areas and interfere with daily function.

➤ Swelling, Redness, or Inflammation
Gum swelling and redness around the implant can signal infection. These are common early signs of peri-implantitis.

➤ Loose Dental Implant
Any mobility is a major symptom of implant failure. A loose dental implant usually means poor osseointegration or bone loss.

➤ Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Uncomfortable biting may suggest implant instability. Patients often begin chewing on the opposite side.

➤ Receding Gums Around the Implant
Gum loss can expose the implant threads, increasing infection risk. It also compromises aesthetic outcomes. Learn more about gum recession after dental implants.
Gum loss can expose the implant threads, increasing infection risk. It also compromises aesthetic outcomes.

➤ Pus or Bad Taste
Discharge or a foul taste may indicate infection around the failed implant. This should be evaluated immediately.

➤ Fever or Malaise
Systemic symptoms like fever may appear if infection spreads. This is more likely in advanced dental implant failure cases.

➤ Bone Loss in Imaging
X-rays may reveal bone loss around the implant. This is a structural indicator of failure.

🧩 Implant vs. Crown/Abutment Loosening

Not all movement or looseness in the implant area means that the implant itself has failed. In many cases, the issue lies with the abutment screw or the dental crown becoming loose—components that sit on top of the implant but are not the implant itself.

➤ A loose crown may occur due to worn cement, minor trauma, or improper fit, and can often be reattached or replaced without affecting the implant fixture.

➤ A loose abutment may result from mechanical stress or improper tightening during placement. Dentists can usually retighten or replace the screw without removing the implant.

➤ In contrast, a truly loose dental implant typically indicates a failure in the integration between the implant and bone (osseointegration), and this is a more serious issue that may require removal and further treatment.

➤ Clinical and radiographic evaluations are essential to distinguish between mechanical complications and biological failures.

If you're unsure whether your implant is loose or if it's just the crown/abutment, contact your dentist immediately. Early diagnosis makes all the difference in preserving your restoration.

❗ Why Do Dental Implants Fail? (Causes of Failed Dental Implants)

If you're considering a new dental implant or a full-mouth restoration, our clinic offers a range of advanced procedures including All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant systems.

Failed implants can result from early or late complications:

➤ Poor Osseointegration: Bone fails to fuse to the implant. This usually results in implant mobility and discomfort within weeks of placement. It may be caused by poor bone quality, surgical technique, or early mechanical stress.

➤ Infection (Peri-implantitis): Gum disease around the implant. Bacteria can accumulate at the gum line, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Left untreated, this infection can cause the implant to fail completely.

➤ Overloading: Premature stress from biting. If a crown is placed before the implant is fully integrated, biting forces can disrupt healing. Overloading may also result from poorly aligned bite or bruxism (teeth grinding).

➤ Insufficient Bone Volume: Poor support for the implant. Without enough bone density or thickness, implants lack the stability they need. Bone grafting may be required to improve the site before attempting re-implantation.

Late Failure Causes

➤ Systemic Diseases: Diabetes or autoimmune conditions. These health issues can impair healing, reduce bone regeneration, and increase the risk of infection. Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases are more prone to late-stage implant failure.

➤ Smoking and Alcohol: Poor healing and higher infection rates. Nicotine restricts blood flow, impairing tissue recovery around the implant. Alcohol can delay healing and increase the chance of long-term failure.

➤ Material Reactions: Rare allergies to implant metals. Although uncommon, sensitivity to titanium or other materials can trigger inflammation. Patients with a history of metal allergies should consider biocompatibility testing.

➤ Surgical Errors: Incorrect placement or overheating during surgery. Mistakes during drilling or implant positioning can damage bone tissue. These complications often lead to poor integration and eventual failure.

🛠️ Can a Failed Dental Implant Be Saved? (Is It Always Necessary to Remove It?)

In many cases, a failed dental implant can be saved, especially when the underlying issue is identified early and managed promptly. The success of this intervention depends on the cause and extent of the failure.

➤ If the failure is due to minor gum inflammation or peri-implant mucositis, non-surgical treatments such as deep cleaning, antiseptic rinses, or laser therapy can often restore tissue health and stabilize the implant.

➤ For infections that have not yet caused severe bone loss, targeted antibiotics and surgical cleaning of the area may preserve the implant.

➤ If the implant is slightly mobile but still partially integrated, temporary stabilization using splinting or bite adjustments may give the surrounding bone time to recover.

➤ However, if imaging shows significant bone loss or full implant mobility, the implant likely needs to be removed. Delaying removal in such cases could lead to further bone destruction or systemic infection.

➤ Once removed, the site may require bone grafting and a healing period before a new implant can be considered. A proper diagnosis by a dental implant specialist is essential to determine whether salvage is possible.

In short, not all failed dental implants must be removed immediately, but early diagnosis and tailored treatment are crucial for a successful outcome.

🧼 How Is a Failed Dental Implant Removed?

Learn how our experienced team at Citydent performs implant removal and restoration by visiting our page on implant treatment procedures.

➤ The area is numbed and evaluated with X-rays.

➤ The implant may be unscrewed or removed with special surgical tools.

➤ Infected tissue is cleaned out.

➤ Bone grafting may follow if needed.

➤ Healing is monitored before any further implant placement.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Failed Dental Implants

Can a loose dental implant be fixed?

If the implant itself is loose, it usually needs removal. If only the crown or abutment is loose, it may just need tightening.

What happens if a failed dental implant is not removed?

Leaving a failed implant in place can lead to infection and bone damage.

How soon can I get a new implant after failure?

You may need to wait 3–6 months for healing and bone regeneration, depending on the case.

Are failed implants painful?

Yes, especially if there's infection or bone involvement. Pain and swelling are common symptoms.

Is it common for dental implants to fail?

Failure is rare, with success rates around 95%. However, proper care and follow-up are essential.