It can be difficult to complete daily tasks, like eating, speaking, and smiling, when you are missing one or more teeth. Fortunately, losing a tooth doesn’t mean that you need to go the rest of your life without it. There are a variety of tooth replacement options out there. Dental implants are a preferred option because of their numerous benefits, including their success rate of over 95%! However, it’s still possible for them to fail. Here are some of the reasons why this can occur and what happens next.
3 Reasons for Dental Implant Failures
Here are the most common reasons why a dental implant will fail:
- Peri-Implantitis: This is one of the most common reasons for dental implants to fail. This condition is an infection that develops around the implant and gum tissue. Most of the time, it’s brought on by poor oral hygiene after the surgery has been completed.
- Bone Loss: When you are missing teeth, you experience bone loss that becomes worse over time. This is because the root of the missing tooth is not there to stimulate the jawbone when you chew. If an implant is placed in a location without a significant amount of bone, it is difficult for it to fuse to the jawbone properly.
- Dental Trauma: If you become injured or encounter an accident where you endure a blow to the mouth, the dental implant may fail and even dislodge.
How Are Dental Implants Removed After a Failure?
The goal is to preserve as much healthy bone tissue as possible during the removal process as well as preventing any damage to surrounding areas, like a 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 and allows for a quick removal.
Can Another Implant Be Placed After the Removal?
This depends on the individual case. Sometimes, implants can be placed immediately afterwards with a bone grafting procedure to support the new implant. However, in other cases, a failed implant can’t be replaced right away due to significant destruction of the area. Removals end up creating a much bigger hole than the implant fixture, making it difficult to replace the implant. You will need to discuss your individual case with your dentist to determine if replacing your implant is a viable option for you.
If you’re worried that your implant may be failing, contact your dentist. This way, you can learn about the best way to restore your smile to health.
About the Author
Dr. R. David Brumbaugh is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 25 years now. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston where he was Class President all four years. Today, he is considered an expert on IV conscious sedation and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Dallas, visit his website or call (214) 369-5159.
