Implant Failure: Signs, Causes, and What to Do Next

When a implant failure, the breakdown or loss of a dental implant after placement. Also known as implant rejection, it occurs when the bone doesn’t properly fuse with the implant, or when infection or stress causes it to loosen over time. It’s not rare—studies show up to 5% of dental implants fail within 10 years, and many of those failures happen because of preventable issues.

Peri-implantitis, a gum infection around a dental implant that leads to bone loss is the top culprit. It looks like swollen, bleeding gums near the implant, and if ignored, it eats away at the bone holding the implant in place. This isn’t just about discomfort—it’s structural. Without enough bone support, the implant becomes unstable and eventually fails. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and uncontrolled diabetes are the biggest risk factors. People who don’t clean around their implants like they would natural teeth often don’t realize they’re setting themselves up for trouble until it’s too late.

bone loss around implant, the gradual reduction of jawbone density supporting the implant is another silent problem. Even if you don’t feel pain, X-rays can show shrinking bone long before the implant wobbles. This often happens after trauma, if the implant was placed in weak bone, or if you grind your teeth. Some patients think once the implant is in, it’s permanent. But it’s not. It needs ongoing care like your natural teeth—maybe even more.

Implant failure doesn’t always mean you lost the whole thing. Sometimes it’s a loose crown, a broken abutment, or a small gap forming around the base. These early signs are your warning. If you notice any change—soreness, swelling, a funny taste, or the implant feeling loose—don’t wait. Early action can save the implant. Delaying often means needing a bone graft, more surgery, and higher costs.

Not everyone is a good candidate. If you have thin bone, take certain medications like bisphosphonates, or have a history of radiation to the head and neck, your risk goes up. That’s why proper screening before placement matters. A good practitioner will check your bone density, review your medical history, and talk about your habits—not just fit you with an implant because you asked for one.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical stories and facts about what leads to implant failure, how to spot it early, and what options you have if it happens. You’ll see how smoking affects healing, why some people get infections even with good hygiene, and what alternatives exist if an implant can’t be saved. No fluff. Just what you need to know to protect your smile and avoid costly mistakes.