Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Tustin, CA

Preserving Your Restoration & Saving Your Smile

Make no mistake, dental implants have a 90% success rate, meaning that failure is incredibly rare. You don’t have to be overly concerned about your restoration. However, when failure does occur, it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible. Our team will be ready to salvage your implants promptly, and you can learn more about symptoms to be aware of by reading the information below.

Dentist pointing to a patient’s X-ray next to CBCT scanner

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dentist showing a concerned patient his X-ray

When dental implants do fail, it’s either because the implants haven’t properly fused with the jawbone, an oral condition has weakened supporting oral structures, or the restoration has become damaged. For example:

  • Heavy smokers tend to experience higher rates of dental implant failure because the chemicals in tobacco products interrupt osseointegration.
  • If you develop gum disease, the bacteria can harm your gums to the point where they can no longer hold your dental implants in place.
  • A hard physical impact could loosen the connection between your restoration, abutment, and implant posts, destabilizing the entire system.

Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant

Man rubbing his aching jaw

If your dental implant restoration experiences complications, you may notice:

  • Pain even after your mouth has healed from implant surgery
  • Looseness
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Oral swelling
  • Pus
  • Difficulties chewing

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Dentist pointing at a dental implant model

When you call our office with concerns about your dental implants, we’ll do our best to see you on a same-day basis. Treatment will depend on what’s causing your symptoms, and could involve gum disease therapy, prescribing antibiotics, or removing the troubled implant so we can repair your restoration or help the surrounding tissue and bone heal. In some cases, it’s also necessary to strengthen the jawbone or gums with grafting.

Rest assured, our team will diligently report their findings to you and discuss your treatment options in detail. We won’t proceed until you’re confident you understand the situation and are ready to do so.