Tooth loss can make your daily life challenging. When it comes to chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious, missing teeth can have a toll on you. Fortunately, dental implants are available to restore the appearance and function of your smile. One of the benefits of dental implants is that they have a success rate of over 95%! However, a dental implant failure is still possible. Continue reading to learn why failure occurs and what happens next.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implant failure is rare, but it still occurs from time to time. Here are the most common reasons why this can happen:
- 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 procedure.
- 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’s 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 must be removed. The goal is to preserve as much healthy bone tissue as possible during the removal process. It’s also key to prevent damage to 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 cannot be placed right away because of damage in the area. Extracting a dental implant after a 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 a viable option for you in the future.
If you are concerned about dental implant failure, you should give your dentist a call as soon as possible. This way, you can work together to restore your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Pitarra earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry. She continues to expand her skillset by keeping up with continuing education. This has included training in minimal sedation, attending the Colorado Implant Continuum, and becoming certified in soft-tissue therapy and Invisalign. Currently, she is a proud member of a multitude of professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment at her office in Corpus Christi, visit her website or call (361) 855-7171.