A dental implant that fails is more than a setback. It can leave you with bone loss, persistent discomfort, and a sense of uncertainty about what comes next. If you have experienced implant failure, you are not alone, and more importantly, there are meaningful options available to help you move forward.
At Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in New Smyrna Beach, we have extensive experience evaluating and treating failed implants. Dr. James Kortbus combines advanced surgical training, cone beam CT imaging, and a genuinely patient-first philosophy to build a clear, honest plan for each person who comes to us after a difficult implant experience. Our restorative dentistry services are designed to meet patients exactly where they are and find the most predictable path to a healthy, functional result.
Request an AppointmentWhy Dental Implants Sometimes Fail
Not every implant failure happens for the same reason, and understanding the cause is the first step toward an effective solution. Several factors can interfere with the long-term success of an implant.
The most fundamental requirement for implant success is osseointegration, which is the process of the implant fusing with the surrounding jawbone. When that fusion does not occur or breaks down after it has formed, the implant loses its structural foundation. According to research published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, dental implants are successful in 90 to 95 percent of healthy patients, but systemic conditions, bone quality, and other variables can reduce that rate considerably.
Common Causes of Implant Failure
Several root causes account for the majority of failed implant cases we see.
Here are the factors most frequently involved:
- Poor osseointegration: The implant never fully bonded with the bone, often due to inadequate bone density, infection, or compromised healing after placement
- Peri-implantitis: A bacterial infection affecting the tissue around the implant, similar to gum disease, that leads to progressive bone loss
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing and blood flow, increasing failure risk at every stage
- Systemic health conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain medications can all affect how the bone responds to implant placement
- Mechanical issues: Implant fracture or improper bite force distribution can compromise long-term stability
Understanding which of these factors contributed to your situation allows us to address the problem at its source before pursuing any next steps.
How We Evaluate a Failed Implant
Before recommending any treatment, we perform a thorough assessment to understand exactly what happened. We use cone beam CT (CBCT) scanning to get a three-dimensional view of the implant site, the surrounding bone volume, and any tissue involvement. This level of detail goes far beyond a standard X-ray and gives us a much more accurate picture of what we are working with.
During your consultation, Dr. Kortbus will review the imaging, take a complete medical and dental history, and discuss your previous treatment in detail. The goal is not simply to replace what was there before. It is to understand why the original implant failed and what needs to be addressed to give a new solution the best possible chance of lasting.
Treatment Options After Implant Failure
Once the evaluation is complete, we will walk you through the options that make sense for your specific situation. In many cases, re-implantation is possible, but it often requires preparatory work first.
Bone Grafting
When implant failure has led to bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary before a new implant can be placed. Grafting material is placed at the site to restore volume and density, giving the jawbone the structure it needs to support a replacement implant. We perform bone grafting in-house, which keeps your care coordinated and your timeline as efficient as possible. Our blog on how bone grafting works before dental implants offers a detailed look at this process if you want to learn more before your visit.
Implant Removal and Site Preparation
In some cases, the failed implant needs to be carefully removed and the site given time to heal before any new placement is attempted. This is especially true when infection is present. We take a measured approach here because proper site preparation is what determines whether the next implant succeeds.
Replacement Implant Placement
Once the site is ready and any contributing health or lifestyle factors have been addressed, we can plan for a new implant. We use digital intraoral scanning and CBCT imaging to guide precise placement, reducing the variables that contribute to failure. For patients who experienced failure related to a broader tooth loss situation, we are also happy to discuss implant-supported vs. traditional dentures as part of a comprehensive restorative conversation.
What to Expect as a Patient
We know that coming in after a failed implant can feel discouraging. Many of our patients arrive having been through a frustrating experience somewhere else, and they are cautious. That is completely understandable, and it is exactly why we approach these consultations with as much transparency as we can offer.
We will not recommend a course of treatment until we have a complete picture of your situation. We will explain what we find, what we recommend, and why, giving you the information you need to make a confident decision. We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry, so cost does not have to be a barrier to getting the care you need. Patients with dental insurance are welcome to use our insurance resources page to review your coverage options before your appointment.
Move Forward With Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Dr. Kortbus trained at NYU College of Dentistry and completed a residency before returning to New Smyrna Beach to build a practice grounded in relationships and clinical precision. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association, and served as a past president of the Volusia-Flagler Dental Association. When it comes to complex implant cases, including failed implant treatment, he brings both the technical skill and the honest communication that these situations require.
If you are dealing with a failed implant and are not sure what to do next, we are here to help you find clarity. Reach out to our team through our contact form to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Kortbus.