Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by tanya

8 Red Flags for Dental Implant Failure

 

How To File A ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claim

 

Dental implants have become a popular solution to replace missing teeth, but they may go wrong and here are 8 red flags for dental implant failure. While implants generally have a good success rate, failure can occur due to various factors.

In some cases, this failure may be due to negligence and you may be eligible to seek compensation. Regarding dental negligence, you will have to be able to show that harm you suffered was caused by another party.

 

Our team at First Personal Injury partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ who can assess your case at no cost to you.

 

Red Flags for Dental Implant Failure

Recognising the warning signs of dental implant failure can ensure timely intervention and avoiding further complications. Below are some of the most common red flags:

 

1 Persistent Pain and Discomfort

While some discomfort is normal after an implant procedure, severe or persistent pain beyond the initial healing phase could indicate an underlying issue which may include:

 

• Nerve damage
• Infection at the implant site
• Implant rejection
• Failure of the bone to fuse with the implant

 

2 Swelling, Redness, or Infection

Inflammation is expected immediately after surgery, but prolonged swelling, redness, or pus discharge could signal:

 

• infection
• Poor oral hygiene leading to bacterial growth
• Improper sterilisation during surgery

 

3 Loose or Shifting Implant

A properly placed implant should be stable. If it feels loose or moves, potential causes include:

 

• Insufficient bone support
• Improper placement during surgery
• Failure of the implant to integrate with the jawbone

 

4 Gum Recession Around the Implant

If the gums start to pull back from the implant exposing its metal structure, this may indicate:

 

• Poor gum health or peri-implantitis
• Incorrect implant positioning
• Insufficient soft tissue support

 

5 Difficulty Chewing or Biting

An implant should function similarly to a natural tooth. If you experience ongoing difficulties with chewing or biting, possible reasons could include:

 

• Malocclusion (misalignment)
• Overloading of the implant due to excessive force
• Poorly designed prosthetics

 

6 Sudden Sinus Problems

Patients with implants in the upper jaw may experience sinus issues. This may be due to:

 

• Implant penetration into the sinus cavity
• Poor assessment of sinus positioning during pre-surgical planning
• Infection spreading from the implant site to the sinuses

 

7 Prolonged Numbness or Tingling

Numbness that lasts beyond the normal healing period may indicate:

 

• Nerve damage from improper implant placement
• Excessive pressure on the surrounding nerves

 

8 Implant Fracture or Breakage

While rare, an implant may fracture due to:

 

• Poor-quality implant materials
• Excessive biting force
• Improper implant size or shape selection

 

How to Pursue a Clinical Negligence Claim

If your dental implant fails due to professional negligence, you may have grounds to make a dental negligence claim. If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to negligence, it is important to keep your medical records and x-rays.

You will also need have a second opinion and to consult with another dentist to assess the implant failure.

If you are considering making a claim, contact First Personal Injury. We can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.