How is a Failed Dental Implant Removed?

Recently learned that your dental implant failed? While this information is not what you want to hear, the reality is that to ensure the future health of your smile, your dentist will need to take it out and treat the area before moving forward. If you are nervous about your dental team removing a failed implant, it is normal if you do not know what to expect. Fortunately, this article will explain the process, so you are better prepared for your upcoming appointment.

Why Does an Implant Fail?

Dental implants can fail for many reasons. Although it is extremely rare for this to happen, certain conditions can leave a person much more vulnerable to the possibility of their permanent prosthetics not remaining firmly in place. The most common reasons for implant failure include:

• Peri-implantitis, which is an infection in the gum tissue (i.e., gum disease)
• Improper placement by an unskilled implant dentist
• Smoking, as it causes longer healing times and weakens the immune system
• Autoimmune disorders or certain health conditions because of the inability to properly heal and allow osseointegration to occur
• Facial trauma/severe damage

Ways to Remove a Failed Dental Implant

The key to removing any type of failed dental implant in Marysville is to make sure the bone remains as undisturbed as possible. While it will be necessary to remove a small portion to help loosen the titanium post, too much can result in significant damage down the road. Also, the time between the placement of the implant and its failure can determine how hard or how easy it is to remove. If the implant is longer, there is more bone for it to adhere to, which makes it more difficult to extract. If it is narrow, the top of the implant may fracture, which can pose a problem.  

Your dentist will need to be cautious when removing a dental implant, especially if it is located near your sinuses or another sensitive area. Using professional dental instruments, it can be taken out by removing a small portion of the bone to encourage the implant to slide out of the socket. It may also be necessary to use removal tools that connect to high-powered adaptors that automatically move the implant in reverse to lift it up and out of the bone and gum tissue.

The process may not sound like much fun, but it is a necessary step if you want to be able to take better care of your future smile. If it is possible, your dentist will discuss potential options for replacing your missing tooth once it is fully healed, which may include another dental implant.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Giovine is a dentist in Marysville, WA, who attended Western Washington University in Bellingham before later going on to the Oregon Health and Science University where he earned his doctorate. As one of three dentists at Allen Creek Family Dentistry, he and his colleagues are devoted to helping patients improve their oral and overall health. Offering dental implant failure and salvage, he and his team can treat problem implants and restore a person’s smile to its regular beauty. Contact us via our website or by calling (360) 651-2900 to find out how we can help you.