Dental implants are one of the most exciting aspects of dentistry. As they behave just like real teeth and provide a fixed solution, they’re unparalleled as a means of replacing a missing tooth. Whilst it is incredibly unlikely for implants to fail, there are cases when this can occur, but don’t worry. A failing dental implant can be addressed, and other means of tooth replacement treatment can be discussed.
Here is everything you need to know about implant removal, and how you can avoid late implant failure.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a replacement tooth root. Once it has been surgically inserted into the jawbone, the bone fuses with it, securing the implant in place. A restoration like a crown or denture is then placed over the top of an implant, giving you back the freedom to perform functions like chewing and smiling. Your restoration is custom made with your particular tooth shade and shape in mind, which makes for a cosmetic result that’s indistinguishable from a real tooth.
Dental implants have a very low rejection rate, but there are two main types of implant failure that can cause the need for implant removal: early implant failure and late implant failure.
What is early implant failure?
Early implant failure occurs within the first few months of receiving an implant. Typical reasons for early implant failure include infection, an unsuccessful ossiointergration phase (when the implant does not fuse with your jawbone) and excess movement during the healing process.
What is late implant failure?
Late implant failure is when implants fail a year or more after the original placement, and is less common than early implant failure. Some of the common causes of late implant failure include teeth grinding and clenching, bruxism, peri-implantitis (caused by bacteria and food particles accumulating around the gum line and implant) and parafunction (performing abnormal functions like finger and thumb sucking).
How do I avoid implant failure?
Whilst there are some cases where implant failure is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of it occurring:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day and using antibacterial mouthwash.
- Avoid hard and tough foods in the weeks after treatment.
- Eat gum-healthy foods where possible, such as dairy products, eggs and fish.
- Avoid cigarettes for 2 weeks prior to treatment and in the weeks afterwards.
- Never miss a routine dentist or hygienist appointment. This will help reduce the chance of decay or disease sabotaging your implant.
How do I know if my implant is failing?
Here are a few tell tale signs that your implant might be failing:
Severe pain or discomfort: some pain during the healing process is normal, but if you are experiencing intense pain for some time after the implants procedures, this may indicate it is failing.
Gum inflammation: some minor swelling post-surgery is normal. However, if you’ve noticed your gums are red and inflamed, or you’re consistently bleeding after brushing and flossing, this should be investigated right away.
A loose implant: your implant should be offering the same level of stability as your existing teeth. So, if you feel it’s become wobbly, this is a reason to come in for a check-up as soon as possible.
Biting and chewing struggles: you ought to be able to chew and bite without hassle with a dental implant, so if this has become a struggle, let us know.
What are my treatment options?
Implants can be removed under local anaesthetic. Treatment options will depend on the reason your implant has failed – here at 92 Dental, we’re highly experienced in treating implant failure, whatever the cause.
If the bone around the implant is in good health, we may be able to clean the area and replace the implant straight away. If there is some evidence of bone loss, we may recommend a bone graft, before a new implant is placed. We will perform a thorough examination of your jawbone health to establish the best course of action for your particular case.
The benefits of dental implants
There are many reasons to choose dental implants to replace missing teeth, or to stabilise dentures in place. Here at 92 Dental, our implant dentists have extensive post-graduate training in periodontics, so if you develop gum disease post-implant placement, you’re in very good hands.
Your treatment will be carefully planned, as we prefer to get things right for our patients the first time. Using the most up-to-date equipment, a highly predictable outcome can be reached, and your jawbone health can be restored, along with your confidence, and ability to chew and speak with ease.
The takeaway
Dental implants are well-known for being the best way of replacing a missing tooth, as they behave and feel like real teeth. Dental implants have a 95% success rate, so it’s very unlikely they should fail. However, rest assured that if they do, it is possible to remove them and you do have options.
If you are considering dental implants and would like more information to discuss your options with our Treatment Coordinator before booking a clinical consultation, get in touch with us. We look forward to speaking with you!
