{"id":1128,"date":"2026-10-23T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1128"},"modified":"2026-10-23T12:57:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T12:57:41","slug":"can-dental-implants-fail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/can-dental-implants-fail\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Dental Implants Fail? Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Reliable history of success Dental implants have been used for a long time. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies published in 2026 in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery<\/a> found these: during at least 20 years, they estimate a 93% implant survival rate. Though, results varied between patients and studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That figure is encouraging, but it is good to keep in mind, if you are thinking about an implant to replace a missing tooth. Long-term success will depend on certain factors such as the condition of your bone and gums, oral hygiene, and the function of the restoration. Some issues can be seen immediately, while others might not show up until many years later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also want to understand the meaning of ‘implant failure’ and \u2018dental implant complications<\/strong>\u2019 from a dentist. For example, sometimes the implant doesn’t attach to the jawbone. In some cases, the implant is firmly attached but there’s a complication with either the gum, the bone beneath the gums or the attached crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Warning Signs That Your Dental Implant May Be Failing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"7<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your Implant Feels Loose or Moves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dental implant<\/strong> should remain stable once it has properly fused with the jawbone. If you observe that the implant moves when you chew or touch it, contact your dentist as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A loose implant might suggest that the bone failed to properly fuse to the implant or that the bone around the implant has worn away over time. Though, it’s also possible that the crown or attaching screw has come loose and the implant remains firmly in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dentist will be able to identify the moving part and advise on the right course of action. Try not to repeatedly feel the implant with your finger or tongue, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Gums Are Red, Swollen, or Bleeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some tenderness right after the implant is placed is normal healing. If redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding around an implant do not resolve, it may indicate a problem. These symptoms may indicate inflammation around the implant. One early condition, called peri-implant mucositis<\/a>, affects the soft tissues around the implant. With appropriate treatment, it can often be reversed before supporting bone is damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if it spreads to the bone if it spreads and reaches the bone surrounding the implant, it is called peri-implantitis. This disorder can cause destruction of the tissue and bone that hold an implant in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t wait for the bleeding to get worse before you book an appointment. You will give the dentist a better chance to treat the dental implant problem the sooner you come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Notice Pain That Persists or Gets Worse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is normal to have soreness and discomfort after the implant is placed, mainly in the first few days. The discomfort should go away as healing continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Persistent pain, pain that persists, or pain that increases should be evaluated by a professional. Causes may be an infection, or an inflamed area, pressure on the implant, or an issue with the bone or restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note the duration of your pain. Do you have pain while biting down? Do you have a constant dull pain in your tooth even when you’re not chewing? Is the tooth getting more tender?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This information can assist your dentist in figuring the dental implant problems<\/strong>. If you have intense or worsening pain, mostly with swelling and fever, you need to see a dentist immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pus, an Unpleasant Taste, or Persistent Bad Breath Develops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recurrent bad taste you might have an unpleasant taste that keeps coming back no matter how often you brush or floss. If you observe any discharge around the implant, more sore gums and mouth odor; there might be an infection\/inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You shouldn’t just keep an eye on pus around an implant at home forever. You need to see your dentist right away for an exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t attempt to squeeze the gum or drain the area on your own. Brush softly around the area as directed unless your dentist provided other post-op care instructions, and adhere to any prescribed cleaning or medication advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Bite Feels Different<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your dental implant crown should feel natural and comfortable with your other teeth. If it feels suddenly higher, strikes your other teeth, or causes you any discomfort when chewing, please call for an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And also, biting too hard on a crown can stress the implant areas. Also, a loose crown or a change in your bite could be the reason why your bite feels off when chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem is sometimes easy to fix. Your dentist might simply have to take a bit more off the bite or fix the restoration. But find out what’s causing the problem, don’t just ignore it by not chewing on it, and hope it goes away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Gums Appear to Be Receding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you noticing more of the implant crown or adjacent metal parts becoming more visible to you along your gumline? An alteration in how the tissue surrounding your crown looks may mean there’s a gum recession happening, or it may be changing shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recession does not necessarily mean your implant is failing. The makeup of the gum tissue may change for many reasons, such as tissue thickness, healing pattern and local irritation. Your dentist will determine if it is mainly a cosmetic issue or if there’s an underlying problem. Dental X-rays and an examination may be taken if the suspicion of bone loss or peri-implantitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Notice a Crack or Damage to the Crown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The actual implant may be fine but the crown on top is chipped, cracked, or broken. You might feel a jagged edge against your tongue or find you can’t close your teeth together anymore. Many dental restorations are subject to wear and mechanical failures when subjected to higher biting forces or grinding of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t chew hard foods on a fractured crown and have it examined by a dentist. The dentist will determine if your crown takes treatment or needs to be replaced and will also inspect the implant beneath the crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can learn about Dental Implant Procedures in our Blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure? A Step-by-Step Walkthrough<\/a><\/blockquote>