Failed Implant Treatment in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Signs an Implant May Be Failing

These signs do not always mean an implant has failed, but they are worth checking right away. Only an exam and imaging can confirm what is happening.

If you notice any of these, call our office. Our emergency dentistry team can help when a problem cannot wait.

Why Dental Implants Sometimes Fail

Not every implant failure happens for the same reason, and finding 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. Failure is uncommon: a registry study of more than 158,000 implants found an overall failure rate of 2.21%. A 2025 retrospective study of implants that had to be removed found that lack of osseointegration and absence of primary stability were the most common causes. Health conditions, bone quality, and daily habits can also play a role.

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 can impair healing and blood flow, which may increase failure risk
• Systemic health conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain medications can all affect how the bone responds to implant placement
• Mechanical issues: Implant fracture, teeth grinding, or uneven bite force can strain the implant

Finding out which of these factors contributed to your situation lets us address the problem at its source before any next step.

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 gives us much more detail than a standard X-ray and a 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 to learn 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 some cases, re-implantation is possible, though 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 guide to how bone grafting works before dental implants explains this step in more detail.

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, which helps reduce 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

Coming in after a failed implant can feel discouraging, and feeling cautious is completely understandable. That 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 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.

When Another Implant May Not Be the Right Choice

Sometimes a new implant is not the best next step. If that is true for you, other options may still restore your smile.

Helping Protect a New Implant

Small habits can make a real difference once a new implant is in place. We can talk through the ones that matter most for you.