Can Dental Implants Fail, And What Are The Common Causes?

Dental implants are one of the most predictable and successful treatments in modern dentistry, with success rates typically exceeding 95%. However, like any medical procedure, success relies on precision, planning, and proper aftercare.

At 21D, every stage of treatment is designed to ensure long-term success. Our fully guided surgical approach allows implants to be placed with the upmost accuracy, ensuring optimal positioning within the bone for long-term stability. This level of precision, combined with digital planning and 3D imaging, significantly reduces the risk of complications or failure.

While implant failure is rare, understanding what it means - and the small number of factors that can contribute to it - helps patients protect their investment and maintain lasting results.‍

What Does It Mean When a Dental Implant Fails?

Dental implants rely on a process called osseointegration - where the implant fuses directly with the jawbone. Once complete, this fusion creates a stable foundation that allows the implant to function similar to a natural tooth.

Dental implant failure occurs when the implant doesn’t properly integrate with the jawbone or loses stability after placement. In such cases, the implant may feel loose and cause discomfort and tenderness around the affected area.

Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure

While implant failure is uncommon, understanding the possible causes helps patients protect their long-term results.

Poor Oral Hygiene

One of the most common causes is peri-implantitis - inflammation and infection of the tissue around the implant. This occurs when plaque and bacteria build up over time. Maintaining a consistent cleaning routine using your ultrasonic toothbrush, water irrigator, and prescribed mouthwash is the best way to prevent this (see our blog on post surgery aftercare essentials).

Smoking

Nicotine restricts blood flow and slows healing, increasing the risk of infection and delayed osseointegration. For this reason, patients are advised to avoid smoking before and after surgery, or ideally, to quit altogether for the best chance of implant success.

Uncontrolled Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders can affect how the body heals and responds to treatment. At 21D, every patient undergoes a full medical and dental health review before treatment to ensure that their overall health supports successful implant integration.

Insufficient Bone Quality or Quantity

For successful osseointegration to occur, there must be enough healthy, dense bone to achieve predictable, long term stability. During your free clinical assessment, our clinicians assess your bone density and overall suitability - if you fail to meet the requirements, we simply won’t operate.

How 21D Minimises the Risk of Implant Failure

Using CBCT scanning and 3D digital planning, each implant is placed with high accuracy in areas of optimal bone density. This guided approach eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent, predictable and effective results.

Our bioengineering and clinical teams collaborate on every case, analysing bite forces and bone density to achieve perfect balance and durability.

After surgery, we provide patients with a clear, carefully selected aftercare kit to promote healing, along with an annual review to ensure everything is progressing exactly as it should. This precise, collaborative approach significantly reduces the risk of implant failure.

If You Suspect A Problem

If you notice anything unusual - such as discomfort, swelling, or movement around your implant - we encourage you to get in touch. Our team is always available to review your concerns, assess healing, and provide immediate guidance. Avoid trying to self-diagnose or treat the area at home - the best course of action is to let our clinicians evaluate and manage it for you.

As unlikely as implant failure is, you can rest assured that we always have a contingency plan in place. You’ll never be left without the care or support you need - every situation is managed with precision and foresight, and our clinicians are here to guide you every step of the way.

The UK’s Experts in Full Mouth Dental Implants

At 21D, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading providers of full mouth dental implants, trusted by thousands of patients nationwide. With 11 clinics across the UK and growing, our expert clinicians combine cutting-edge technology, including 3D mapping, CBCT scanning, and fully guided implant surgery, to deliver precision, comfort, and lasting results. Recognised twice in The Sunday Times 100 Fastest Growing Companies, we’re setting the standard for modern implant dentistry through a transparent, patient-focused approach that restores confidence, function, and quality of life.