Given their high success rate, dental implants rarely fail as a tooth replacement. Still, it happens occasionally. Your periodontist might even recommend you have a failed implant removed to preserve your oral health. For those unfamiliar, though, this scenario can prompt concern— you might wonder why the implant failed, if replacement is possible, and how implant extraction works.
To help you answer these questions, here’s a summary of what’s involved in removing a failed implant!
Why Would an Implant Fail?
In general, implants can fail either for reasons of timing or position.
There are two classes of implant failures based on timing: early failures and late failures. The former, ‘early’ ones occur within the first few months of the initial placement. In these cases, the implant isn’t rigidly held by surrounding bone and is easy to remove. ‘Late’ failures occur a year or more after placement, possibly due to infection or overloading from external forces.
Another reason an implant can need removal is due to being in the wrong position. In that scenario, it’s considered a failure because of trouble restoring the implant to proper function.
Can You Get a Replacement Implant?
If you and your periodontist act quickly, you could get a new implant placed in the site of the old one. This instant replacement option will save you time and prevent the need for follow-up surgery, thus also saving you money.
However, sometimes a failed implant can’t be replaced quickly because of extensive damage. Implant removals that create a much bigger hole than the fixture make it harder or impossible to replace. Therefore, it’s important to attempt to have a gentle removal and prepare for a bone grafting procedure to reduce the loss of healthy bone.
Common Implant Removal Methods
There are two approaches your periodontist could use to remove a failed dental implant.
One method involves using a cutting device, called a trough bur, to cut a small portion of your bone. By doing so, the dentist releases the tension on the implant and expedites its removal. The other approach requires using a piezoelectric device with a special micro tip. Like the former technique, it gently removes bone from around the implant to ease extraction.
It’s never good when something like a dental implant fails to work correctly. Even so, by knowing what to expect from the removal process, you’ll be able to preserve your smile as best you can!
About the Practice
Central Perio is based in Dallas, TX. Headed by Dr. John C. Tunnell, who earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center, their team provides excellent dental care. Dr. Tunnell is a board-certified periodontist with advanced training, equipped to handle any procedures involving the gums and underlying bone. Using the latest technology, the practice provides minimally invasive periodontal surgery while delivering amazing results that last. For more information or to schedule an appointment, the practice can be reached at their website or by phone at (469)-640-6730.