How Dentists Remove Failed Implants: Everything You Need to Know!

Dental implants are chosen by over 500,000 people each year for many reasons, including their predictability. They have a success rate of 95% even after 10 years, making them an incredibly reliable tooth replacement. However, it’s still possible for dental implants to fail, which will require their removal. Read on to learn exactly what you can expect during this process as well as some potential reasons that your dental implants failed in the first place.

First, Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

The most common reason for implant failure is peri-implantitis, which occurs when bacteria starts eating away at the bone and supportive tissue around your dental implants, causing them to loosen. Implants can fail at any point in time – a day after they are placed or years later. Sudden injury like trauma or damage to the mouth can cause their failure, and tobacco use like smoking cigarettes will slow down the healing process while also promoting infection. The best way to avoid failure is to proactively visit your dentist for routine checkups. They’ll be able to catch any issues early on, potentially saving your dental implant.

What to Expect for Failed Implant Removal

Your dentist will always ensure that you feel comfortable and at ease. They will start by examining your mouth and reviewing your medical history. In general, implants in the lower jaw are more difficult to remove than implants in the upper jaw because of the jawbone thickness/density. Failed dental implants that are close to lower nerve structures or upper sinuses will require extra care. Once a custom treatment plan is developed, your dentist will extract the failed dental implant based on your specific needs.

Your Replacement Options

In some cases, a new dental implant can be placed during the same appointment as your bone grafting to repair your jawbone. Bone grafting adds strength and density to the bone, making it less likely for your new dental implant to fail. This immediate placement will usually save you time and money, however it’s not always available. Sometimes, the damage that the failed implant caused is too large, creating a hole in the jawbone that won’t allow for an implant right away. In this case, your dentist may recommend bone grafting with a recovery period afterward. Lastly, while unlikely, it is possible for your dentist to save a failed dental implant with bone grafting. That said, this type of treatment will be recommended on a case-by-case basis.

Dental implant failure is improbable. However, now that you know what to expect when it comes to failed dental implant removal, you can enjoy peace of mind and confidence going into your treatment.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Gregory A. Craybas is an experienced dentist in Syracuse who partners with local specialists to deliver quality, convenient, and lasting dental implants. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Craybas through his website or by phone at (315) 475-6641.