Can a failing implant be saved without removing it?

Sometimes. If it's caught early as gum inflammation (peri-implantitis) without much bone loss, deep cleaning and antibiotics can resolve it. Once the implant is loose or bone loss is significant, removal is usually necessary.

How urgent is a painful implant?

Pain or swelling around an implant, especially with fever or spreading swelling, should be seen within a day or two. It can indicate infection that spreads if left untreated.

How long do I have to wait before getting a new implant after removal?

Typically a few months for the bone to heal, or longer if grafting was needed. Your dentist will confirm with imaging before placing a new implant.

Failed or infected dental implant repair in Chicago

An implant that hurts, feels loose, or has gum swelling around it needs attention fast, not a routine check-up slot. This covers dentists and periodontists in Chicago who handle failing implants: removing an infected fixture, treating peri-implantitis, grafting the bone site, and planning a replacement implant once the area heals.

Loose or shifting implant crown or abutment
Pain, swelling, or bad taste around an existing implant
Implant placed elsewhere that failed to integrate
Bone loss around an implant showing on x-ray

Expect an exam, imaging (often a 3D CBCT scan), and a plan that may involve removing the implant, cleaning and grafting the site, and waiting several months before a new implant goes in.

What it costs

Cost depends on whether the implant can be saved with cleaning and antibiotics or has to come out entirely. Removal, bone grafting, and a replacement implant down the line cost more than a straightforward first-time placement because it's effectively two procedures plus healing time. Many practices bill the diagnostic scan and removal separately from the eventual re-implant.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for implant dentistry / periodontal specialist.

1. Post Family Dental In The Loop
5.0★ · 340 reviews

94
2. Contos Smile Center
5.0★ · 251 reviews

94
3. The Magnificent Smile
5.0★ · 389 reviews

94

See the full ranking → · Browse all providers

FAQ

Can a failing implant be saved without removing it?: Sometimes. If it's caught early as gum inflammation (peri-implantitis) without much bone loss, deep cleaning and antibiotics can resolve it. Once the implant is loose or bone loss is significant, removal is usually necessary.
How urgent is a painful implant?: Pain or swelling around an implant, especially with fever or spreading swelling, should be seen within a day or two. It can indicate infection that spreads if left untreated.
How long do I have to wait before getting a new implant after removal?: Typically a few months for the bone to heal, or longer if grafting was needed. Your dentist will confirm with imaging before placing a new implant.

When you submit an enquiry through our forms, we may share it with partner providers who perform the work, and we may receive a referral fee for these matches. Our rankings and scores are determined by our published methodology alone and are never influenced by referral fees.