Dental implants are the most successful method of replacing lost teeth. They have over a 95% success rate; however, complications can arise in rare situations. Less than 5% of cases experience dental implant failure, which ultimately leads to the removal of the prosthetic. If your dental implant has failed, here’s what you can expect on the road ahead.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants can fail shortly after placement or many years down the road. Various factors can cause an implant to fail, like:
- Failed Osseointegration: Your bone must fuse to your implant for your procedure to be successful. Failed osseointegration will require the implant to be removed. This can occur from bone loss, overloading, and other issues.
- Peri-Implantitis: An infection like gum disease is a common culprit of dental implant failure. Thankfully, it is preventable with good oral hygiene. If it is caught early, your dental implant may not need to be removed.
- Bone Loss: If your jaw does not have sufficient density, your implant won’t have the stability it needs.
- Allergic Reactions: Most dental implants are made of titanium because it is lightweight, durable, and integrates well with bone. However, there are rare cases of allergic reactions.
Removing a Dental Implant
Removing a dental implant will require a surgical procedure. Sedation or anesthesia will be used to keep you comfortable as your dentist opens your gum tissue to have access to the implant. Special dental instruments are used to break the bond between your implant and your bone. It is carefully removed before your tissue is closed.
The longer the implant has been in place, the more difficult it can be to take. In general, lower dental implants are more challenging to extract than those in the upper arch. The width and length of the implant can also affect the ease of the extraction process. Wider and longer implants are bonded to more bone.
Replacing a Failed Implant
Some patients can have a new implant placed immediately after the failed post has been removed. However, bone grafting can also be needed. A removal can create a larger hole than the fixture, which may need to be filled with grafting material to enhance the bone’s strength.
Your implant dentist will create the personalized plan you need to restore a complete, healthy smile with dental implants. If you experience any signs of dental implant failure, including redness, inflammation, or pain, contact your dentist right away for treatment.
About Dr. Michael Ahn
Dr. Ahn earned his dental degree at Loma Linda University and has continued his education to specialize in dental implants. He has placed over 10,000 dental implants and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (469) 874-1244.