Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Thanks to their ability to replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t get with dental bridges or dentures. One of their most notable benefits is their success rate of over 95%! However, in some circumstances, it is possible for dental implants to fail and need to be removed. Continue reading to learn more about dental implant failure, why it happens, and what happens next.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implant failure is rare, but it still happens from time to time. Here are the most common reasons why this occurs.
- Peri-Implantitis: This is the most common cause behind dental implant failure. This condition is an infection that develops around the dental implant. It can damage the gum tissue and bone supporting the implant. Most of the time, this infection is due to poor oral hygiene after the surgical placement.
- Bone Loss: When you are missing teeth, you experience bone loss. This progresses over time because the root of the missing tooth is no longer present to stimulate the jawbone. If a dental implant is placed in a location without enough bone tissue, it is difficult for it to fuse properly and remain stable.
- Trauma: Unexpected accidents and injuries can occur. If you have experienced a blow to the mouth, it is possible for dental implants and natural teeth to become dislodged.
How Are Dental Implants Removed After Failing?
If a dental implant cannot be saved, it needs to be removed. The goal is to preserve as much healthy bone tissue as possible during the removal process. It is also key to prevent damage to the surrounding areas, like the lower nerve or upper sinus. The process used to remove failed dental implants involves cutting a small portion of the bone along the end of the implant. This releases the tension of the implant, allowing for a quick extraction.
Can Another Dental Implant Be Placed After a Failure
This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes, a new dental implant can be placed immediately afterward with a bone grafting procedure to help support the new implant. In other cases, a new dental implant can’t be replaced right away because of damage in the area. Extracting a dental implant after failure leaves a larger hole than the implant fixture, making it difficult to replace quickly. You will need to discuss your options with your dentist to determine if replacing the dental implant with a new one is an option for you in the future.
If you think you may be experiencing dental implant failure, reach out to your dentist. This way, you can work together to restore the health of your smile!
About the Practice
At Dental of West Orange, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the West Orange community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have concerns regarding your dental implant, they would be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (973) 731-2200.