Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth, but if you’ve recently had implant treatment or are considering it, you may wonder:
“Can dental implants fall out?”
Yes, dental implants can fall out, though it’s rare. Causes include infection, failed bone integration, trauma, or gum disease. Early signs like movement or discomfort should be checked immediately. With expert placement and proper care, implants are secure, long-lasting, and unlikely to fail. Seek urgent dental advice if concerned.
At Sherwood Park Dental Practice in Sutton, we provide trusted dental implant care led by Dr Pablo Lobato, who brings over 10 years of implant experience, including a postgraduate diploma in Endodontics and advanced surgical training. In this blog, we’ll explain the reasons dental implants can fail, how to prevent them, and what to do if you’re concerned about a loose or fallen implant.
Are Dental Implants Supposed to Be Permanent?
Yes, dental implants are intended to be permanent. They consist of a titanium screw that’s inserted into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Over a few months, your jawbone naturally grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, securing it in place.
Once healed, the implant can support a crown, bridge or denture and function just like a natural tooth. When placed correctly and cared for, dental implants boast a success rate of over 95%, and many last for decades.
At Sherwood Park Dental, our implant planning includes:
- Detailed 3D imaging to assess bone quality
- Health screening to reduce risk factors
- Expert placement by Dr Pablo Lobato, who trained on Harley Street and has been taking implant referrals for over a decade
With the right dentist and patient care, the risk of implant failure is extremely low.
What Could Cause a Dental Implant to Fall Out?
Though uncommon, a dental implant can fail or fall out if something interferes with bone integration or long-term stability. Causes typically fall into two categories: early failure and late failure.
Early Implant Failure (First 3–6 months)
This occurs before the implant has fully fused with the bone. Common reasons include:
- Poor bone quality or insufficient bone volume
- Infection at the implant site (caused by bacteria or poor healing)
- Excessive pressure on the implant during healing
- Smoking, which reduces blood flow and impairs healing
- Underlying health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes
Late Implant Failure (After successful healing)
Late failure can happen months or even years after placement. Causes include:
- Peri-implantitis – a gum infection around the implant, similar to gum disease
- Bone loss – often linked to infection or chronic inflammation
- Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism) – places stress on the implant
- Neglected oral hygiene leads to plaque buildup and infection
- Trauma – accidents or injury to the jaw
In all these cases, early detection and professional intervention can make all the difference.
How to Spot the Signs of a Failing Implant
Implants should feel exactly like natural teeth, stable, pain-free, and strong. If your implant doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth getting it checked.
Warning signs include:
- Movement or wobbling of the implant or restoration
- Gum swelling, redness, or bleeding
- Pain when chewing
- Bad breath or a persistent bad taste (could indicate infection)
- Receding gums or visible implant threads
- Unusual sensitivity in the area
Even if you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. At Sherwood Park Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments so you can get answers fast.
What Should I Do If My Implant Falls Out or Feels Loose?
If your implant has become loose or fallen out, don’t panic, but do act quickly.
Here’s what to do:
- Do not attempt to reinsert it.
This could damage the gum or bone further. - Rinse gently with lukewarm water, but avoid scrubbing or flossing the area.
- Store the crown or any part that’s come out in a clean container.
- Call Sherwood Park Dental immediately.
We’ll prioritise your care and arrange for a full clinical assessment with Dr Pablo Lobato.
What happens next?
At your appointment, we’ll carry out digital X-rays and clinical checks to understand what’s happened. Treatment options may include:
- Cleaning the site to remove infection
- Preserving bone and gum tissue through grafting if needed
- Re-implantation, once the site has healed and is stable again
In many cases, the issue can be resolved, and a new implant placed successfully.
How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Prevention is always better than a cure, and with the right approach, you can keep your dental implant healthy for decades.
Top prevention tips from Dr Pablo Lobato:
- Brush and floss twice daily – especially around the implant
- Attend regular hygiene visits – our team removes plaque you can’t reach at home
- Quit smoking – this dramatically reduces implant success
- Wear a night guard – if you grind your teeth, we’ll provide a custom one
- Maintain a healthy diet – avoid excess sugar and support gum health
- See your implant dentist regularly – we’ll monitor your implant over time
At Sherwood Park Dental, every implant patient is enrolled in a long-term care plan to support the success of your treatment, with open access to our expert team when you need us.
Can a Dental Implant Be Replaced If It Fails?
Yes, in most cases, a failed implant can be replaced. The exact process depends on the reason for failure and the condition of your bone and gum tissue.
A typical re-treatment process may include:
- Implant removal and thorough cleaning of the site
- Bone grafting, if necessary, to rebuild lost volume
- Healing period of several months
- New implant placement using adjusted size or angulation
Thanks to modern techniques and Dr Lobato’s surgical experience, even complex re-treatments can achieve long-term success.
Why Choose Sherwood Park Dental for Implants?
When it comes to dental implants, the experience and training of your dentist is crucial. Poor planning, shortcuts in placement, or lack of aftercare are some of the most common causes of avoidable implant failure.
That’s why at Sherwood Park Dental:
- Your implant care is led by Dr Pablo Lobato, who trained extensively in implant dentistry and has over 10 years of experience managing both routine and complex cases
- We use digital planning and 3D imaging to reduce risk
- Our hygienists and support team ensure your implant remains healthy for years to come
- We offer transparent fees, flexible finance, and unmatched aftercare
Our patients travel from across Sutton, Cheam, Banstead, Wallington and beyond because they trust us to restore their smile with confidence and care.
Worried About a Dental Implant? Let’s Talk.
Dental implants are designed to last, but if you’re worried about one coming loose or falling out, we’re here to help. Early action is the key to protecting your smile.
Whether you need advice, a second opinion, or expert implant re-treatment, Sherwood Park Dental Practice offers trusted care with a personal approach.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Sutton Today
Call 020 8641 1390 or book online to arrange a consultation with Dr Pablo Lobato and our friendly team.
FAQs
Is it normal for a dental implant to move slightly?
No. A dental implant should feel as secure as a natural tooth. Movement may indicate a serious issue; seek professional advice straight away.
What causes dental implants to fall out?
Implants can fail due to infection, failed osseointegration, trauma, bone loss, or long-term gum disease. The right aftercare and regular monitoring help prevent these issues.
Can I get a new implant if one falls out?
Yes. Most implants can be replaced after a healing period. In some cases, a bone graft may be needed first.
How long do dental implants last?
With the right care, dental implants can last 20 years or more. Regular hygiene visits and maintenance are essential.
Do Sherwood Park Dental treat failed implants?
Yes, we offer emergency implant assessments, second opinions, and re-treatments led by Dr Pablo Lobato in our Sutton clinic.