Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry because they are the most reliable solution for tooth loss. They are unlike any other dental prosthetic because they replicate both the roots and crowns of lost teeth. With an average of a 95% 10-year success rate, over 500,000 people annually invest in their benefits. If you chose the advanced treatment, you probably never expected your new smile to fail. Although it is rare, complications can occur immediately after your implant placement surgery or several years down the road. No matter how long it has been since your procedure, removing a failed dental implant is never easy. Although it may seem like a setback, your dentist can fix the issue to restore a complete smile.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
A dental implant provides the most predictable results using a synthetic root anchor system that closely looks and feels natural. It is proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, which is why over 3 million Americans have already invested in the state-of-the-art treatment.
Various studies have found the success rate to range from 95-99%; however, the Journal of Oral Implantology shows the viability at 98%. As a result, the likeliness of dental implant failure is rare. The risk is less than 5% and divided into two categories:
Early Failure
If the bone doesn’t integrate with the implant, your new smile is bound to fail sooner rather than later. Although many factors can affect the healing process, early complications are often caused by low bone density or pre-existing medical conditions.
Late Failure
Specific situations can cause the implant to lose its integration with the bone, which can occur several months to years after your placement surgery. The underlying cause can range from infection and trauma to bruxism or poor dental habits.
Why Does the Implant Need to Be Removed?
If you’re experiencing early signs of failure within a year of your implant surgery, the process of removing it is straightforward. However, if you’ve had your implant longer than 24 months, your bone and the post have firmly set together, so it will be a little more difficult to remove. Since your implant is affixed to your jawbone, you can’t take it out on your own. Only a trained dental professional can remove it.
Although your dentist will do what they can to save your replacement tooth, they may recommend extracting it to preserve your oral health. They will create a personalized plan to correct the problem to regain your healthy, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Jennifer Pham
Since earning her dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry, Dr. Pham has provided world-class services for over 2 decades. Throughout her career, she has undergone various continuing education programs in many specialties, like neuromuscular dentistry, Invisalign, implant dentistry, and sedation dentistry. She has the experience you can trust for complex oral health issues. If you have signs of implant failure, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our office right away for an appointment.