| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: four minutes |
Dental implants are designed to be long-lasting, but they can develop problems when bacteria cause inflammation or bone loss around the implant. When this happens, the implant may begin to fail.
At our practice, we use the LAPIP® laser protocol to treat the infection, strengthen the supporting bone, and often save the implant without traditional surgery. This approach combines advanced laser technology with a deep understanding of how implant-related infections progress.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
A failed dental implant is usually the result of peri-implantitis, an infection that damages the gum tissue and bone tissue supporting the implant. This infection can progress silently, often developing for months or years before symptoms appear.
Bacterial Infection
When bacteria collect beneath the gums and attach to the implant surface, they trigger gum inflammation and begin destroying bone.
History of Gum Disease
Patients with previous periodontal disease carry bacteria that can affect implants unless properly treated and monitored with regular oral hygiene and professional care.
Difficulty Cleaning the Implant Area
Some implant restorations create angles or contours that make thorough cleaning harder, allowing bacteria to build up. Maintaining good dental hygiene plays a key role in preventing this.
Smoking and Systemic Health Issues
Smoking, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can slow healing and increase the chance of infection.
Bone Loss Around the Implant
Many patients discover a failed dental implant due to bone loss on routine X-rays, even before pain occurs. Progressive bone loss is the clearest sign the implant is losing stability and needs treatment.
Poor Placement
If an implant is placed at the wrong angle, in inadequate bone, or with improper spacing, it may be harder to clean or unable to withstand normal bite forces. These issues can contribute to inflammation, bone loss, and long-term instability.
Signs an Implant May Be Failing
Early diagnosis increases the chance of saving the implant. You may notice:
- Swollen or bleeding gums around the implant
- Bad taste or odor
- Pus or drainage
- Deep pockets around the implant
- Gum recession
- Pain when biting
- A loose or shifting implant
If any of these symptoms appear, the implant should be evaluated promptly.
How LAPIP Helps Save Failing Dental Implants
The LAPIP® protocol (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a minimally invasive laser treatment designed specifically to target infected implants. Using controlled laser energy, we can remove harmful bacteria, disinfect the implant surface, and stimulate new bone growth, all without cutting or sutures.
Advantages of the LAPIP Protocol
- It selectively removes infected tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue.
- Laser energy sterilizes the implant surface where bacteria hide.
- The procedure encourages regeneration of bone tissue and connective tissue.
- Healing is faster and more comfortable than traditional flap surgery.
- Most patients return to daily activities the next day.
Our team also incorporates high-powered microscopic diagnostics to identify the specific bacteria involved in peri-implantitis. This gives us a clearer picture of the infection and helps guide more effective, long-term treatment.
What to Expect During LAPIP Treatment
LAPIP is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure performed comfortably in our office. Each step is designed to target the infection, support bone regeneration, and protect the surrounding tissue while keeping recovery time short.
1. Diagnostic Evaluation
We begin with a detailed exam, including a microscopic assessment of the bacteria contributing to the infection. This helps identify the severity and determine the best treatment approach.
2. Laser Treatment
A thin laser fiber is placed gently between the gum and implant. The dental laser removes infected tissue, kills bacteria, and creates a clean environment for healing.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Specialized ultrasonic tips remove debris from the implant surface to improve tissue reattachment.
4. Regeneration and Stabilization
The laser stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging bone regeneration around the implant.
5. Rapid Recovery
Most patients experience little discomfort and resume regular activities within a day or two.
Can Every Failed Implant Be Saved?
LAPIP can save many implants, even those with moderate or advanced bone loss. In some cases, a bone graft may be recommended to strengthen the area.
However, there are rare situations where damage is too extensive for the implant to remain stable long-term. When that happens, removal becomes the safest option.
In rare cases where an implant cannot be saved, we remove it carefully, treat the infection, and rebuild the site. Once healing is complete, a new implant can often be placed with a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Schedule an Evaluation
A failing implant can feel overwhelming, but effective treatment is available. We provide LAPIP® laser therapy to gently clean the infected area and help protect the bone supporting your implant. We have saved many implants that others would have removed using the LAPIP protocol.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
FAQs
Most implant failures are caused by peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that damages the gum tissue and bone supporting the implant. Other factors include a history of gum disease, smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, poor oral hygiene around the implant, and excessive bite forces.
Dental implants have a high overall success rate, typically above 90 to 95 percent. When failures do occur, they are often related to infection, inadequate bone, poor placement or systemic health factors. Early detection and professional care can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Common warning signs include swelling or bleeding around the implant, gum inflammation, persistent bad taste, pus or discharge, pain when biting, and looseness of the implant. Any of these symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
In many cases, yes. If the site is properly treated and allowed to heal, a replacement implant can often be placed with good long-term success. Treatment may involve removing the failed implant, eliminating the infection, rebuilding the bone, and planning for new implant placement after healing.
