Are You Dealing with Failing Dental Implants? Contact Our Dentist Near You for Help
Dental implants are often called the gold standard for tooth replacement—offering strength, stability, and a natural look that can last a lifetime. However, even with a success rate of about 95%, dental implants can occasionally fail due to infection, poor oral hygiene, or medical conditions.
If you suspect you have a failing dental implant in San Jose, CA, our experienced implant dentist, Dr. Amir HagShenas at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, can help diagnose the issue and discuss your best treatment options.
Call our dental office in San Jose today at (408) 377-5134 to schedule your appointment. We proudly serve San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the surrounding Silicon Valley communities.
Note: Our office may not offer treatments for failing implants. Please contact us directly to learn more.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
While dental implant surgery is typically safe and successful, certain factors can increase the risk of implant failure or peri-implantitis (infection around the implant site). Here are the most common causes:
- Peri-implantitis (Infection): A bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone around the implant, similar to gum disease. This can lead to inflammation, bone loss, and implant loosening. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, or previous periodontal disease are key risk factors.
- Osseointegration Failure: This occurs when the implant fails to properly bond with the jawbone, often due to insufficient bone density, excessive pressure, or improper implant placement during surgery.
- Excessive Force or Overloading: Teeth grinding (bruxism) or chewing on hard foods too soon after surgery can disrupt healing and cause the implant to fail.
- Medical Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disorders can impair healing and bone growth around the implant.
- Poor Surgical Technique: Incorrect placement or nerve involvement from inexperienced practitioners can lead to complications.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and poor nutrition can slow healing and negatively affect implant success.
Symptoms of a Failing or Failed Dental Implant
Early detection can help save your dental implant and prevent further damage. Common signs of implant failure include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Redness, swelling, or bleeding gums
- A loose or wobbly implant
- Receding gums or visible metal post
- Difficulty chewing or biting down
- Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our San Jose dental office right away at (408) 377-5134 for an evaluation.
Risk Factors for Dental Implant Failure
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of a failed dental implant:
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
- Low bone density or untreated bone loss
- Uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor diet or compromised immune system
Regular dental visits and proper home care are essential to maintaining healthy gums and bone support around your implant.
How We Diagnose a Failing Implant
At Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, Dr. HagShenas uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the health of your implant and surrounding tissues:
- Comprehensive Oral Exam – checks for swelling, gum inflammation, or implant mobility
- Digital X-rays or CBCT Scans—to detect bone loss or improper implant positioning
- Pocket Probing – measures gum depth to check for peri-implantitis
- Bite Analysis – identifies excessive pressure that may cause implant stress
Treatment for Failing Dental Implants in San Jose, CA
Depending on the severity of the implant failure, treatment may include non-surgical care or surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Professional Deep Cleaning: Removes bacteria and plaque buildup around the implant.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Controls bacterial infection and inflammation.
- Laser Therapy: Promotes gum healing and kills harmful bacteria.
- Nightguards: Protect implants from grinding-related stress.
Surgical Options
- Bone Grafting: Restores lost bone to support a new implant.
- Implant Removal and Replacement: If necessary, the implant is removed and replaced after healing.
- Soft Tissue Grafting: Repairs gum recession and enhances aesthetics.
Even if a dental implant fails, a new one can often be successfully placed once the underlying cause is addressed.
How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Good oral care and healthy habits go a long way toward preventing implant complications:
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily, use antimicrobial mouthwash, and consider a water flosser.
- Attend Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings help keep your gums and bone healthy.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow and healing capacity.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrients like calcium and vitamin D support healthy bone growth.
- Wear a Nightguard: Protects against clenching or grinding.
- Choose an Experienced Implant Dentist: Proper planning and technique significantly reduce risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, it’s possible to save a failed dental implant. If detected early, antibiotics, deep cleaning, or bone grafting can help restore implant health.
Yes, it’s possible to get a new dental implant if one fails. After treating the cause and allowing for proper healing, a new implant procedure can often be performed successfully.
Early stages of peri-implantitis can often be managed non-surgically. However, advanced infection may require dental surgery to restore gum and bone health.
With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, implants can last 20+ years or even a lifetime.
If you notice that your dental implant is feeling loose, contact our dentist near you in San Jose right away at (408) 377-5134. A loose implant can indicate bone loss or infection that needs prompt treatment.
Restore Your Smile and Oral Health at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions
If you’re worried about failing dental implants in San Jose, don’t wait—early treatment can help save your investment and protect your oral health. Our skilled dental team offers compassionate care and advanced diagnostics to ensure your implants function comfortably for years to come. Call our San Jose dental office at (408) 377-5134 to schedule your consultation today. We proudly serve patients from Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and across Silicon Valley.