Signs an Implant Is Failing — and What to Do

Overview

Most well-placed implants last decades. When something goes wrong, the symptoms fall into a fairly small set of patterns — and recognising them early changes what can be saved.

The main failure patterns

• Early failure (first 3–6 months): the implant never integrates. Symptoms: persistent dull ache, the implant feeling "different" or mobile. Usually requires removal and re-grafting.
• Peri-implant mucositis: bleeding on probing, redness, no bone loss. Reversible with cleaning and improved hygiene ^[1].
• Peri-implantitis: bleeding on probing plus measurable bone loss. Requires active treatment and may progress to implant loss ^[2].
• Mechanical complications: loose abutment screw, chipped crown, fractured screw. The implant itself may be fine.
• Cement-related disease: excess cement under the gum drives inflammation and bone loss — a major reason screw-retained crowns are preferred.

Symptoms worth a call

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing around the implant.
• A bad taste or persistent bad breath localised to one area.
• Pus around the implant collar.
• Visible recession or "darkening" at the gum line.
• Any sense of movement of the crown — even subtle.
• Pain on biting or pressure that did not exist before.

What your dentist will check

• Probing depths around the implant compared with the baseline record.
• Bleeding on probing and presence of suppuration.
• Radiograph compared with the baseline at crown delivery.
• Test for crown / abutment looseness with finger pressure.
• Occlusal check — is the implant being overloaded?

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Peri-implantitis treatment
• Risks and complications
• Complete guide to dental implants