Nobody wants to think about what could happen if their dental implant fails – and indeed, not many patients have to experience this. That said, you should know that in some cases, removing the entire implant is necessary. Keep reading to learn more about dental implant failure and why your dentist might need to take it out.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
Dental implants have a 95% success rate, meaning failure is incredibly uncommon. But when patients do encounter complications, it’s usually for one of these reasons:
- Gum disease has weakened the oral tissue holding the implant post in place. In severe instances, the bone anchoring the post can also become damaged.
- Prolonged tooth loss has caused the jawbone to deteriorate, resulting in insufficient support.
- Physical trauma has damaged the dental implant, gums, or jawbone.
- The crown or abutment is loose or broken in some way.
Consistent oral hygiene habits and a thorough oral exam can help prevent implant failure, so make sure to communicate clearly and honestly with your dentist!
Why Removal May or May Not be Necessary
Your dental implant will likely have to be removed if failure was caused by gum disease, jawbone loss, or another issue that has compromised your mouth’s ability to support the restoration. The process is similar to a normal tooth extraction, except your dentist will be using tools specially designed for dental implants. They might also have to cut a very small amount of bone in order to relieve tension and remove the implant safely.
If the problem is simply that the crown or abutment is loose or damaged, your dentist may very well be able to replace the part without taking the whole thing out.
Replacing Your Dental Implant After Failure
Dental implant failure and removal don’t always mean you can’t replace your restoration with a new one. Treatments like gum disease therapy and bone grafting can help you better support your next implant. Just know that your dentist may not be able to replace it immediately. Depending on the severity of your case, it could take some time for your gums and bone to recover from treatment and extraction.
At the end of the day, your dentist will help you plan your next steps in the rare event your dental implant fails. Follow their guidance, and you and your smile will be just fine!
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay is a highly trained dentist with experience in surgical treatments like dental implant placement and removal. Her skills enable her to provide these services completely in-office, meaning you’ll have the same reliable and friendly team right by your side for every step of the way. If you have questions or concerns about your dental implants or would like to know more about salvage and removal, contact Dr. Ramsay at 503-472-1402.