Mar 19, 2025
Failed Dental Implant? What to Do
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
You invested in a dental implant for its promise of a permanent, worry-free smile. So, when you suddenly feel pain, notice swelling, or sense that your implant is loose, it can be incredibly disheartening and alarming. Your first thought is likely, "What is happening, and can an emergency dentist fix this?"
The answer depends on the dentist's expertise, but a practice like Smyrna Dental Studio, which is skilled in both emergency dental care and advanced implant dentistry, is absolutely the right place to go. This guide will explain the signs of a failed implant, what to do, and how a specialized Smyrna emergency dentist can help you navigate this complex situation.
First, What Are the Signs of a Failed Dental Implant?
While dental implant failure is rare, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs. Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
Pain and Discomfort: A dull ache, throbbing, or sharp pain when you chew or touch the implant.
Any Movement or Looseness: Your implant should feel as solid as a natural tooth. Any mobility is a major red flag.
Swelling, Bleeding, or Pus: Red, puffy, or bleeding gums around the implant post, or a bad taste, are classic signs of infection.
Difficulty Chewing: Discomfort or an unstable feeling when you bite down.
Gum Recession: The gum tissue pulls away, exposing the metallic threads of the implant post.
Your Emergency Appointment: What to Expect
When you come to our office with a suspected failed implant, our process is calm, thorough, and focused on your immediate comfort.
Comprehensive Diagnosis: We will start with a detailed examination and a 3D CBCT scan. This advanced X-ray is essential for visualizing the bone structure around the entire implant and determining the exact cause and extent of the failure.
Pain and Infection Control: Our top priority is to ensure your comfort. We will numb the area and, if an infection is present, we may drain any abscess and prescribe antibiotics.
Stabilization: Depending on the situation, we may need to remove the crown from the implant to relieve pressure, or if the implant is very loose, we may remove the entire failed implant. We will then ensure you have a comfortable and aesthetic temporary solution.
The Path to a Solution: How We "Fix" a Failed Implant
"Fixing" a failed implant is a meticulous process, not a quick, single-visit repair. Based on our diagnosis, we will create a personalized plan.
Option 1: The Dental Implant Rescue
If the implant has lost some bone but is still relatively stable, we may be able to perform a "rescue" procedure. This involves surgically cleaning the infected implant surface and placing a bone graft to attempt to regenerate the lost bone and preserve the existing implant.
Option 2: Removal and Replacement (More Common)
For a truly failed implant that has lost its fusion with the bone, the most predictable solution is to remove it. The process typically involves:
Gently removing the failed implant.
Thoroughly cleaning the site.
Placing a bone graft to create a healthy, new foundation.
Allowing the site to heal for several months.
Placing a new, stable dental implant.
FAQs: Your Urgent Questions About a Failed Implant
Q1: Why did my dental implant fail? The most common cause of implant failure is peri-implantitis, an infection similar to gum disease that destroys the bone supporting the implant. Other causes can include poor initial healing (failure of osseointegration), excessive chewing forces, or trauma.
Q2: Can the implant be fixed on the same day as my emergency visit? No. The emergency visit is for diagnosis and stabilization. The long-term "fix," whether it's a rescue procedure or a removal and replacement, is a complex process that requires a careful, planned approach and often a significant healing period. We will, however, ensure you have a comfortable temporary solution.
Q3: I had my implant placed by another dentist. Can you still help me? Yes, absolutely. As a leading emergency dentist in Smyrna, our team is fully equipped and highly experienced in managing complex dental implant cases, regardless of where the original surgery was performed. Your health is our top priority.
Q4: If my implant is removed, can I get a new one in the same spot? Yes, in most cases. The process almost always involves removing the failed implant, placing a bone graft to rebuild a healthy and robust foundation, and then replacing the implant after a healing period of several months. This gives the new implant the best possible chance for lifelong success.
A Solvable Problem with Expert Care
Discovering a problem with your single implant or multiple implants is stressful, but it is a solvable problem. With advanced diagnostics and a skilled dental team, you can get back on the path to a healthy, stable, and permanent smile. The most important step is to act immediately at the first sign of trouble.
If you are in Smyrna and are worried about a dental implant, do not wait. Contact the experienced implant team at Smyrna Dental Studio immediately for an urgent evaluation.
