Signs Your Dental Implant Is Not Healing Properly (And What to Do)

The vast majority of dental implants heal well. Modern implant treatment has a strong track record, and most patients progress through recovery without significant issues. However, problems can occasionally arise — and when they do, recognising the early signs and knowing what to do next can make an important difference.

This article is designed to help you understand the general patterns of normal healing, identify possible warning signs that your dental implant may not be healing as expected, and know when to contact your dentist. It is intended as general information only and cannot diagnose or treat any condition remotely. If you are concerned about your implant at any stage, the right step is always to contact your dental practice directly.

Whether you have recently had a single tooth implant in London or a more complex procedure, the guidance below applies broadly to dental implant recovery.

What Does Normal Dental Implant Healing Usually Feel Like?

Before looking at potential warning signs, it is helpful to understand what is considered normal after implant placement. Being familiar with typical recovery patterns can help you distinguish between expected post-surgical symptoms and something that may need attention.

In the first few days after surgery, most patients experience:

• Mild to moderate discomfort around the implant site, which usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, or to any medication prescribed by your dentist
• Swelling that develops over the first 24 to 48 hours, typically peaking around day two or three and then gradually subsiding
• Bruising in the cheek or jaw area, which can look concerning but is usually harmless and fades within a week or so
• Some sensitivity or tightness in the gum tissue around the implant as healing progresses

The key pattern to look for is gradual improvement. Day by day, things should feel a little better — less sore, less swollen, easier to manage. If your symptoms are following this general downward trend, that is usually a reassuring sign.

Your dentist will have provided personalised postoperative instructions. These should always take priority over general guidance. If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is within the normal range, there is no harm in contacting your practice to ask. Your dental team would always rather hear from you than have you worry unnecessarily.

Possible Warning Signs That Your Implant May Not Be Healing as Expected

While most dental implant recovery follows a straightforward path, there are some symptoms that may suggest the healing process is not progressing as it should. If you notice any of the following, it is important to contact your dental practice promptly for advice:

• Pain that increases or does not improve after the first few days — some discomfort is expected early on, but pain that is getting worse rather than better warrants attention
• Swelling that worsens rather than settles — swelling should peak within the first two to three days and then gradually reduce. If it is increasing after this point, or returns after initially improving, let your dentist know
• Persistent or unusual bleeding — some minor bleeding or oozing is common in the first 24 hours, but bleeding that continues beyond this or restarts after stopping may need assessment
• Pus, a bad taste or an unpleasant odour coming from the implant area — these can be signs of infection and should not be ignored
• The implant or any attached component feeling loose or moving — a healthy implant should feel stable. Any sense of movement or wobbling is worth reporting promptly
• Fever or feeling generally unwell — while mild fatigue after surgery is not unusual, a raised temperature or feeling systemically unwell may indicate that your body is responding to an infection or other complication
• Numbness or altered sensation that persists beyond what your dentist described as expected — this can occasionally occur if a nerve near the implant site has been affected

None of these signs necessarily means something serious has gone wrong. However, they all warrant prompt professional assessment. Early contact with your dental practice gives the best opportunity for any issue to be identified and managed effectively.

Common Reasons Dental Implants Can Struggle to Heal

When dental implant healing problems do occur, there are several possible contributing factors. Understanding these can be helpful, though it is important to note that the cause of any individual problem can only be determined through a proper clinical assessment.

Factors that may affect implant healing include:

• Infection — bacteria can sometimes affect the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation, swelling or pus. This is one of the more common reasons for dental implant healing problems
• Insufficient bone support — if the jawbone does not provide adequate support for the implant, integration may be compromised. This is usually assessed carefully before treatment, but in some cases bone quality may differ from what was anticipated
• Uncontrolled gum disease — pre-existing gum problems that may affect dental implants can increase the risk of complications during healing. Ideally, gum health is optimised before implant placement
• Smoking — smoking is one of the most well-documented risk factors for implant complications. It restricts blood flow to the healing tissues and can significantly slow recovery
• Certain medical conditions or medications — conditions that affect the immune system or bone metabolism, or medications such as some blood thinners, can influence healing
• Excessive force on the implant — biting down too hard on the implant site before it has fully integrated with the bone can sometimes disrupt the healing process

It is also worth noting that sometimes the problem is not with the implant itself but with the surrounding gum tissue or the restoration attached to it. A loose-feeling crown or discomfort around the gum line does not always mean the implant has failed — there may be a simpler explanation that can be addressed without affecting the implant.

If a problem does arise, your dentist will work with you to identify the cause and discuss options. This is a collaborative process, not an exercise in blame.

What to Do If You Think Something Is Wrong

If you notice any of the warning signs described above, or if something simply does not feel right, the single most important step is to contact your dental implant clinic as soon as possible. Do not wait until pain becomes severe or symptoms become difficult to manage — early contact is always encouraged.

When you call, it can be helpful to explain:

• When your symptoms started and how they have changed over time
• What the discomfort feels like — for example, a dull ache, sharp pain, throbbing, or pressure
• Whether you have noticed any swelling, bleeding, discharge or unusual taste
• What pain relief you have been taking and whether it is helping
• Any other relevant details, such as recent illness or changes to medication

This information helps your dental team assess the urgency and plan the most appropriate next step, whether that is a telephone consultation, an early review appointment or an urgent visit.

At our London dental implant clinic, we encourage all patients to get in touch if they have any concerns during recovery. No question is too small, and we would always prefer to hear from you early.

How Dentists Assess an Implant That May Not Be Healing Properly

If your dentist suspects that your implant may not be healing as expected, they will carry out a thorough assessment. This typically involves:

• Reviewing your symptoms and medical history — understanding the timeline of your symptoms and any relevant health factors
• Examining the implant site — looking at the gum tissue, checking for swelling, redness, discharge or signs of infection, and assessing whether the implant feels stable
• Taking dental X-rays where clinically appropriate — X-rays can help the dentist see how the implant is sitting in the bone and whether there are any signs of bone loss or other problems beneath the surface

Together, these assessments help the dentist build a clear picture of what is happening and decide whether treatment is needed. In many cases, the assessment may reveal that healing is actually progressing normally, even if symptoms felt concerning to the patient. In other cases, it may identify a specific issue that can be addressed.

Your dentist will explain their findings clearly and discuss any recommended next steps with you before proceeding.

Treatment Options When a Problem Is Identified

If your dentist identifies an issue with your implant healing, the treatment recommended will depend entirely on the nature and severity of the problem. There is no one-size-fits-all approach — each case is assessed individually.

Some of the approaches that may be considered include:

• Professional cleaning around the implant — if inflammation is present, a thorough clean of the area may help resolve the issue
• Adjusting the bite — if the implant or its restoration is receiving excessive force when you bite, a small adjustment may relieve pressure and support healing
• Prescribing antibiotics — where a bacterial infection is identified, a course of antibiotics may be appropriate
• Treating the surrounding gum tissue — in some cases, the gum tissue may need attention even if the implant itself is sound
• Removing the implant — in situations where the implant has not integrated with the bone or cannot be saved, removal may be necessary. While this is understandably disappointing, it is sometimes the right clinical decision

If an implant does need to be removed, it does not necessarily mean the end of the road. In many cases, once the area has healed, it may be possible to place a new implant at a later date. Alternatively, other options for replacing missing teeth in London — such as a bridge or modern dentures for replacing missing teeth — can be discussed as part of a revised treatment plan.

Your dentist will talk through all available options and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Reducing Future Risks with Good Aftercare

One of the most effective ways to support your implant's long-term health is to commit to consistent, thorough aftercare. This applies both during the initial healing period and for the years that follow.

Key aftercare practices include:

• Careful daily cleaning — brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental brushes or floss to clean around the implant and neighbouring teeth. Your dentist or hygienist can show you the most effective technique for your specific restoration
• Not smoking — if you smoke, stopping or reducing your habit can significantly improve healing outcomes and long-term implant health
• Attending all review and hygiene appointments — regular professional monitoring allows early detection of any changes around the implant before they become significant problems
• Reporting any changes promptly — if you notice bleeding, discomfort, looseness or any other change around your implant at any stage, let your dental team know

Even once your implant feels completely "normal" and has become a seamless part of your daily life, long-term care remains essential. Conditions such as peri-implant mucositis — inflammation of the gum tissue around the implant — can develop without obvious symptoms and, if left untreated, may progress to peri-implantitis, which can affect the bone supporting the implant.

Good home care combined with regular professional maintenance gives your implant the strongest foundation for lasting health.

Next Steps — Talk to a Dentist If You Are Concerned

If you are worried that your dental implant is not healing properly, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Whether your concerns turn out to be entirely normal or whether something does need attention, your dental team is here to help.

When you contact the practice, a member of the team will discuss your symptoms with you and arrange an appropriate appointment. This may include a clinical examination and X-rays where needed, so that your dentist can give you a clear, honest assessment of how your implant is progressing.

This article is intended as general guidance and cannot replace urgent or emergency advice from a clinician. If you are experiencing severe pain, significant bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feel very unwell, please seek immediate professional help.

For non-emergency concerns about dental implant healing, or if you are considering dental implants in London and would like to learn more about what recovery involves, you are welcome to book an appointment if you are worried about your dental implant. Our CQC-registered team in South Kensington is here to support you at every stage.

This article provides general information about signs of dental implant healing problems and is not a substitute for professional clinical assessment. If you are concerned about your implant, please contact your dental practice directly. Symptoms, outcomes and treatment options vary between individuals.