Implant failure: causes and what to do

Early failure (first months)

The bone does not grow onto the implant. Causes include infection, overheating the bone while drilling, too much pressure during healing, smoking and poor bone quality.

Late failure (years later)

Usually caused by peri-implantitis or overload from grinding.

Warning signs

• Implant or crown feels loose
• Pain when chewing
• Gum swelling, bleeding or pus
• Gum receding to show metal

What happens next

A loose crown or screw is simple to fix. A loose implant is removed, the site heals (often with a graft), and a new implant is placed. See replacing a failed implant.