Failed Dental Implant Treatment in Marietta, GA | Kabani Dental
A dental implant is one of the most reliable tooth replacement solutions available today, but even well-placed implants can occasionally fail, and when they do, patients are often left confused, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn next. Understanding why implants fail and what can be done about it is the first step toward finding a path forward and protecting the investment you’ve already made.
At Kabani Dental in Marietta, GA, Dr. Shaila Kabani evaluates and treats patients dealing with failed or failing dental implants, bringing over 20 years of clinical experience and Nobel, Zimmer, and Straumann implant certifications to every case. Whether your implant was placed elsewhere or here, we approach each situation with a thorough, no-pressure evaluation to determine what went wrong and what realistic options exist for restoration.
Why Dental Implants Fail
Dental implants have a strong track record overall. A large-scale retrospective study published via the National Institutes of Health analyzing over 158,000 dental implants found an overall implant failure rate of just 2.21%, with early failures during the osseointegration phase accounting for 1.56% of placements. Still, that means a meaningful number of patients do experience complications, and the reasons vary widely depending on when and how the failure occurs.
Early Implant Failure
Early implant failure happens before the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, typically within the first few months after placement. Common contributors include insufficient bone density at the implant site, compromised blood supply during healing, smoking, uncontrolled systemic conditions such as diabetes, and infection introduced during or shortly after surgery. In some cases, early failure stems from premature loading, where pressure is placed on the implant before osseointegration is complete.
Late Implant Failure
Late failure occurs after an implant has successfully integrated and been in function for months or years. The most common cause is peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that develops around the implant and progressively destroys the surrounding bone. Other contributors include excessive bite forces, implant fracture, loosening of prosthetic components, and bone loss driven by untreated gum disease. Patients who skip dental cleanings and regular monitoring are at a meaningfully higher risk of late failure going undetected until significant damage has occurred.
Warning Signs of a Failing Implant
Implant problems rarely appear without warning. Catching the signs early can be the difference between saving an implant and needing full removal and replacement. The most common indicators worth bringing to our attention include the following:
- Pain or discomfort around the implant site that persists or develops after the initial healing period has passed
- Mobility or movement in the implant crown or the post itself, which should feel completely stable at all times
- Swelling, redness, or bleeding in the gum tissue surrounding the implant, which may signal early peri-implantitis
- Bone loss visible on X-rays, often identified during routine checkups before symptoms become noticeable
If any of these signs are present, scheduling an evaluation promptly gives us the best opportunity to intervene before the situation progresses.
How We Evaluate and Treat a Failed Implant
When a patient comes to us with a failing or failed implant, our first step is a comprehensive evaluation using 3D CBCT imaging to assess the current state of the bone, the position of the implant, and the extent of any tissue damage. This gives us far more information than traditional X-rays and allows Dr. Kabani to make a well-informed recommendation rather than a speculative one.
When the Implant Can Be Saved
In cases where the implant is still partially integrated and the surrounding bone loss is limited, a targeted treatment plan may allow us to stabilize and preserve the implant. This typically involves professional decontamination of the implant surface, treatment of any active peri-implantitis, and close monitoring to confirm the tissue responds appropriately.
When Removal and Replacement Is Needed
When an implant cannot be saved, removal is performed and the site is allowed to heal before re-treatment is planned. Depending on the degree of bone loss present, bone grafting may be necessary to rebuild the site before a new implant can be placed. Dr. Kabani will walk through the full timeline and what each phase involves so you understand exactly what to expect before any treatment begins. For patients moving forward with replacement, we use computer-guided surgery to position the new implant with precision, reducing the risk factors that may have contributed to the original failure.
Go With Kabani Dental for Failed Implant Care in Marietta
Treating a failed implant requires a dentist who understands not only how implants are placed but why they fail, and Dr. Kabani’s formal certifications across Nobel, Zimmer, and Straumann implant systems give her a depth of clinical knowledge that directly informs how she diagnoses and approaches these cases. Her advanced training from the Pankey Institute and her membership in the Hinman Dental Society reflect a commitment to continuing education that keeps her current with best practices in implant care. Kabani Dental has been recognized as a Best Cosmetic Practice in East Cobb for multiple consecutive years, and every implant case we take on receives that same standard of attention and precision. Dr. Kabani’s background and patient-first philosophy are detailed on the about us page.
If you are experiencing pain, movement, or other concerns with a dental implant, don’t delay in seeking an evaluation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation at Kabani Dental in Marietta, GA, and let Dr. Kabani assess what is happening and what the right next step looks like for your specific situation.