In a large majority of cases, dental implants can last for several decades without much issue. In fact, they generally last for life when well cared for. However, there are instances where the dental implant can fail, even if it is quite rare. If you’re told by a dentist you need yours removed, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Thankfully, there is good news. Removing a failed implant is a safe and pretty straightforward process. Read on to learn what you can expect ahead of your treatment for dental implant failure.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
There are two types of dental implant failure to keep in mind. This includes early failures and late failures. Out of the two, late failures are far more common and most often occur after the implant has been in the jaw for about a year or longer.
Early failures generally occur over the first few months after the implant is placed and may happen due to infection, poor healing ability, or micro movements (too much movement during the healing process). As a result, the implant is quite loose and easy to remove because the bone tissue has not sufficiently fused around the implant.
Alternatively, late failure can happen because of infection (namely peri-implantitis), but it can also occur as a result of too much force being put on the implant. For example, if you don’t wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports, an injury could cause it to fail.
How the Removal Process Works
Dentists will work carefully to preserve as much bone tissue as possible when removing the implant. Ahead of your treatment, your mouth is thoroughly numbed to prevent any sensations from being felt. That means you can expect a relatively pain-free experience from start to finish.
After anesthetic is administered, a small dental instrument known as a trough bur is used to gently cut away a small portion of bone along the implant edge. This releases tension and speeds up removal.
After the implant is taken out, a small gauze pad will be placed on the treatment site and you’ll be asked to bite down so it can begin to heal. You’ll be scheduled for a follow-up after your removal to ensure your mouth is healing properly and no complications are present.
Can a New Dental Implant Be Placed?
It truly depends on the circumstances, but it may be possible. For example, some dentists may perform a bone graft immediately following the removal of your implant. This treatment is designed to expand the amount of healthy bone tissue available inside your tooth socket and help you save time and money on follow-up preparatory surgery.
Keep in mind that if the area is too badly damaged, especially as a result of conditions like gum disease or peri-implantitis, additional treatment may be needed before you can revisit dental implant replacement. In certain cases, you may need to opt for a traditional option instead, such as a bridge or denture. To learn more about your options, speak with a dentist today!
About Dentistry Redefined
The dentists of Dentistry Redefined partner with implant specialists that come directly to the office you already visit. Not only are you getting care from trusted experts, but you don’t have to travel all over town just to get the services you need. Whether you’re having dental implants placed or need one removed as a result of complications, their team will be by your side and happy to help you get comfortable. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.