by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreDental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. With proper placement and care, implants have a success rate of over 95 percent and can last decades or even a lifetime. However, like any medical procedure, complications can occur if certain conditions are not ideal. When implant failure happens, it can often be traced back to preventable factors—many of which are addressed through proper planning, surgical expertise, and ongoing periodontal care.
At Dr. Rana Baroudi’s periodontal practice in San Jose, dental implant treatment is performed with advanced technology and meticulous precision to ensure the highest chance of long-term success. Understanding why implant failure happens and how a specialist prevents it can help you make confident decisions about your oral health, especially if you are considering dental implants.
Dental implant failure occurs when an implant does not properly fuse to the surrounding jawbone or becomes unstable over time. This can happen shortly after placement (early failure) or years later (late failure). While rare, implant failure is treatable—and often avoidable with proper care and specialist-level surgical planning.
Early implant failure occurs before the implant fully integrates with the bone. This may happen within the first few weeks or months of placement.
Late implant failure refers to an implant that loses stability or becomes infected years after it has already healed and functioned normally.
Both types have specific causes, many of which a periodontal specialist is trained to identify and prevent.
Although implants have an excellent success rate, several factors can compromise healing or long-term stability. The following are the most common contributors to implant complications.
For an implant to be successful, it must be anchored into healthy, strong jawbone. If the bone has deteriorated due to periodontal disease, long-term tooth loss, or trauma, the implant may fail to integrate properly.
A specialist evaluates bone quality using 3D imaging and may recommend bone grafting when needed—ensuring that the implant has a stable foundation.
Successful dental implants require precise positioning. Improper placement can lead to:
Periodontists undergo extensive training in advanced surgical techniques and use guided technology to ensure implants are placed at the ideal angle, depth, and position.
Peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of late implant failure. It occurs when bacteria accumulate around the implant, leading to inflammation, bone loss, and weakening of the implant’s support structure.
Risk factors include:
A periodontal specialist is trained to identify and treat gum infections, greatly reducing the risk of this complication.
Osseointegration is the biological process where the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. If osseointegration is disrupted, the implant may loosen or fail to stabilize.
This can happen due to:
A specialist closely monitors healing to ensure the bone integrates fully and properly.
Bite forces that are too strong—especially in patients who grind or clench their teeth—may cause an implant to fail. The constant pressure can interrupt healing or cause the implant to shift.
A specialist evaluates your bite and may recommend nightguards or other preventive measures for patients who show signs of bruxism.
Nicotine reduces blood flow, slows healing, and increases the risk of infection—all of which can dramatically increase the likelihood of implant failure. Smokers have significantly lower implant success rates compared to non-smokers.
Specialists typically recommend quitting smoking before and after implant surgery to protect long-term success.
Certain conditions can interfere with healing, such as:
A dental implant specialist assesses your full medical history to determine whether additional precautions or pre-treatment steps are needed.
While implant failure is rare, choosing a highly trained implant specialist significantly reduces the risk. Periodontists like Dr. Baroudi have advanced education in gum health, bone biology, and oral surgery—making them uniquely qualified to plan and place dental implants with precision and safety.
Below are the steps specialists take to ensure the highest possible success rate.
Successful implant treatment begins long before the surgery itself. A specialist conducts an in-depth evaluation that includes:
This information ensures that the implant plan is customized to your anatomy, oral health, and long-term goals.
Untreated gum disease significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Before placing an implant, a periodontist treats periodontal disease, restores gum health, and ensures that infection is fully controlled.
This step is essential for protecting the implant once placed.
Bone grafting is often necessary when the jawbone is too thin, soft, or weakened to properly support an implant. A specialist can perform bone augmentation to rebuild the foundation, giving the implant the stability it needs to integrate successfully.
Implant specialists use guided surgical techniques and advanced imaging to determine the exact position of the implant. This precision minimizes surgical trauma and ensures predictable, long-lasting results.
Healthy gums are crucial for long-term implant stability. Specialists design surgical flaps, tissue placement, and implant depth to encourage proper gum attachment and reduce the risk of future inflammation.
After surgery, consistent follow-up appointments help ensure that the implant is healing correctly. A specialist monitors bone integration, gum health, and bite alignment to catch any concerns early.
Even after an implant is fully restored, maintenance is essential. Specialists provide:
These efforts help protect the implant for decades.
Dental implants are an exceptional solution for restoring function, aesthetics, and confidence after tooth loss. While implant failure is rare, choosing a specialist significantly reduces risks and ensures the best possible outcome. From advanced diagnostic tools and surgical precision to ongoing periodontal maintenance, a periodontist offers the highest level of care throughout every stage of treatment.
If you are considering dental implants or have concerns about a previous implant, Dr. Baroudi and her team are here to help. During your consultation, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan designed for long-term success.
Discover how specialist-level care can prevent implant failure and help you achieve a healthy, lasting smile.
