While dental implants are a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution for missing or damaged teeth, complications can occasionally arise. If you’re experiencing discomfort, inflammation, or loose restorations, you may be dealing with failing dental implants. At Teeth In 24™ in Portland, Dr. Lampee provides advanced solutions for identifying and treating failing dental implants, including laser therapy for peri-implantitis, implant repairs, and full restoration replacements.
When placed properly and maintained through healthy oral habits, dental implants have a success rate of over 98%, even after 10+ years. However, problems can still occur either during placement or long after healing due to a variety of factors.
If you’re experiencing pain, gum swelling, or implant mobility, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a dental implant specialist. Prompt treatment of failing implants can preserve your bone, restore your comfort, and prevent more serious issues.
The most common complication associated with failing dental implants is peri-implantitis, an infection of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the implant. This condition is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, pre-existing gum disease, or systemic health issues like diabetes.
Symptoms may include:
At Teeth In 24™, we use LAPIP® laser treatment to target and eliminate infection without harming healthy tissue. In mild cases, antibiotics and hygiene adjustments may resolve the issue.
Although rare in experienced hands, implants placed at the wrong angle, in insufficient bone, or too close to adjacent teeth or nerves can lead to long-term complications. These issues may include discomfort, aesthetic problems, or improper function.
Dr. Lampee frequently sees patients who need help correcting dental implant placement performed elsewhere. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, he has the training and expertise to evaluate and revise poorly placed implants and restorations.
Dental implants are durable but not indestructible. Accidents, teeth grinding (bruxism), or biting into something hard can fracture either the implant or the attached prosthetic teeth. Over time, even minor trauma can weaken the implant’s stability or damage the crown or bridge.
If this occurs, Dr. Lampee may recommend restoring or replacing the implant or its components using our in-house advanced dental lab.
Dr. Lampee offers several advanced techniques for treating failing dental implants, tailored to the cause and severity of the issue:
LAPIP® Laser Therapy – Minimally invasive treatment for peri-implantitis using laser energy to sterilize infected tissue and support healing without cutting or sutures.
Implant Hardware Replacement – If a post, abutment, or screw has failed, we can often replace it without removing the entire implant.
Custom Restoration Replacements – Our on-site advanced dental lab allows us to quickly remake damaged crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthetics.
Surgical Revision – In cases of incorrectly placed implants, we offer surgical correction, including bone grafting or strategic re-placement when needed.
Common signs include swelling, tenderness, bleeding around the implant site, difficulty chewing, or the sensation that your implant is loose. These symptoms may indicate infection, bone loss, or mechanical failure.
Yes, in many cases. Early detection and treatment of complications such as peri-implantitis or restoration failure can prevent full implant removal and restore stability.
Not usually. Most treatments are performed under local anesthesia or sedation, and minimally invasive options like LAPIP® laser therapy offer faster healing with little to no discomfort.
If left untreated, infection and bone loss can progress, making future implant replacement more difficult and potentially compromising surrounding teeth and tissue.
Not always. Many cases of failing implants can be resolved without full removal, especially when treated early by an experienced dental implant specialist.
At Dr. Lampee’s Teeth in 24 dental practice in Beaverton, OR, our unrelenting devotion to patient care is at the core of everything we do. From the warm atmosphere of our lobby to the state-of-the-art technology in our treatment and diagnostic rooms, Dr. Lampee and the Teeth in 24 team continue to set and define the standard for dental care in Northwest Oregon.
All-on-4 is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare Services AG. Dr. Lampee and Beaverton Smile Center Acquisitions, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by Nobel Biocare Services AG.
