A failed dental implant can feel like a step backward after committing time, trust, and resources to restoring your smile. At LALUME Dental Studio, we treat dental implants as a long-term investment, and Dr. Shahira Saad works alongside our in-house periodontist, Dr. Ara Bakian, to evaluate and address implants that are not healing or functioning as expected.
Implant failure can happen shortly after placement or years later, and the underlying cause shapes the path forward. Research published by the National Institutes of Health found that peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, two forms of inflammation around an implant, affect roughly half of implant patients over a ten-year period, with periodontitis, smoking, and diabetes identified as significant risk factors.
Peri-implantitis is an infection of the gum and bone tissue surrounding an implant, and it is one of the most common reasons implants loosen or fail. Left untreated, this infection can progress and compromise the bone that anchors the implant in place.
Sometimes an implant fails to properly fuse with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. This can result from insufficient bone density, premature loading of the implant, or underlying health conditions that affect healing.
An implant crown, abutment, or the implant post itself can loosen, fracture, or wear unevenly over time, particularly if bite forces are not properly distributed. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common contributor to this type of mechanical strain. Whatever the cause, catching the warning signs early gives us more options for saving the implant or planning a successful replacement, and we walk you through every step of that evaluation before recommending treatment.
Not every discomfort means an implant has failed, but certain symptoms warrant a prompt evaluation at our Newport Beach studio. We recommend scheduling a visit if you notice any of the following:
Bringing any of these symptoms to our attention right away allows Dr. Saad and Dr. Bakian to intervene before the problem progresses further.
Every evaluation begins with a comprehensive exam and digital imaging so we can pinpoint exactly what is happening beneath the surface. Dr. Bakian, our visiting board-eligible periodontist, examines the surrounding bone and gum tissue to determine whether the implant can be treated and preserved or removed and replaced.
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In cases where infection is the primary concern, treatment may involve deep cleaning around the implant, targeted antibiotic therapy, or periodontal procedures such as gum grafting to rebuild lost tissue. When the implant cannot be saved, Dr. Bakian can remove it and, if needed, perform bone grafting to rebuild the site before placing a new implant.Â
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Dr. Saad then manages the restorative phase, designing a new implant crown that fits comfortably and blends naturally with your smile. Financing through Cherry Financing and CareCredit can help make retreatment more manageable, and our team can also walk you through your PPO coverage during your consultation.
Coordinating care for a failed implant often means bouncing between a periodontist, an oral surgeon, and a restorative dentist, which can add stress to an already frustrating situation. At LALUME Dental Studio, Dr. Saad and Dr. Bakian work together in the same Newport Beach studio, so your evaluation, surgical care, and final restoration all happen under one roof.
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Dr. Saad brings advanced training in implant restoration from her Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at UCLA Venice, and she takes a conservative, detail-oriented approach to every case that comes through our doors. Combined with Dr. Bakian’s periodontal training, our team is equipped to identify the reasons an implant failed and develop a plan to help you move forward with confidence.
If something feels off with a dental implant, waiting rarely makes the situation easier to resolve. LALUME Dental Studio combines Dr. Saad’s restorative expertise with Dr. Bakian’s periodontal training to give patients in Newport Beach and the surrounding Orange County area a clear path toward saving or replacing a struggling implant.
From your first evaluation through your final restoration, our spa-like studio across from Hoag Hospital offers a calm, judgment-free environment to address a stressful situation. To find out what is happening with your implant and discuss your options, contact our office to schedule your consultation.
In some cases, yes. If the issue is caught early and is related to infection rather than bone loss around the entire implant, treatments like deep cleaning or gum grafting may resolve the problem without removing the implant.
Persistent pain, swelling, gum recession, bleeding, or a feeling of looseness are all signs that warrant an evaluation. Digital imaging can confirm what is happening beneath the gumline.
Not always. If the implant cannot be saved, Dr. Bakian may recommend removal and bone grafting to prepare the site for a new implant once healing is complete.
Coverage varies by plan and by the specific procedure needed. Our team can help you understand your PPO benefits during your consultation, and financing through Cherry Financing and CareCredit is also available.
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad.
Receive high-quality, personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Saad and get answers to all your smile questions from the comfort of your own home.
Ample secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
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