How Treatment for Dental Implant Failure Works

Dental implants in Huntington Beach are one of the most effective solutions for addressing all levels of tooth loss. Of course, in order for dental implant treatment to be successful, you’ll need to take some proper steps to create a healthy environment for your new tooth. If you don’t, you run the risk of failure. If you’re already dealing with a failing dental implant and aren’t sure what to expect when you visit the periodontist who placed it, keep reading to learn more about the treatment process for dental implant failure.

Why Dental Implants Fail

Dental implant failures generally fall into two categories. This includes “early failures” and “late failures.” During an early failure, the implant does not integrate properly with the bone tissue, making it very easy to remove. For example, the implant is generally quite loose as a result of poor healing ability, infection (or peri-implantitis) or lack of stability due to the bone not being dense enough. Micro motions (or too much movement during the healing process) can also lead to early failure.

Alternatively, dental implant failures are considered “late” when they occur more than one year after the tooth has been functional. The implant could have been firm previously, then became loose due to peri-implantitis or blunt force trauma. In the case of infection, bacteria can destroy the bone around the upper portion of the implant. This can complicate both the removal process and chances for future tooth replacement.

How Dental Implant Removal Works

When you arrive at the office, the periodontist will perform a detailed exam of your implant after hearing your symptoms. The examination will also include digital X-rays to better understand the condition of both your implant and the surrounding bone tissue.

Periodontists will do everything they can to preserve as much bone tissue as possible following dental implant failure. One method of removing dental implants involves cutting a small portion of bone tissue along the implant edge. This releases tension on the implant and speeds up the removal process. Before this step is performed, you’ll receive a proper amount of local anesthetic to ensure no sensations are felt during treatment.

Can a Failing Dental Implant Be Replaced?

In some cases, dental implants can be replaced after a failure occurs. This is usually done through a bone graft, a common procedure where bone tissue is attached to the jaw, either from another area of your mouth or from a donated cadaver.

Bone grafting can even allow another implant to be placed the same day the failing implant is removed. However, if the bone tissue is too damaged, the newly grafted bone material may need to integrate before a new implant can be placed. If a bone graft and new implant placement is considered, the periodontist will always discuss treatment ahead of time so you know what to expect.

Just because you have a failing dental implant doesn’t mean a periodontist in Huntington Beach can’t help you. Call one today to learn more about the treatment process and salvage your tooth replacement!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga is a board-certified periodontist with not only many hours of education in this specialty, but years of real-world, clinical experience in placing and salvaging dental implants. He also provides services like bone grafting to improve your chances of retaining your tooth replacement. If you fear your dental implant may be failing, don’t hesitate to contact his office today through his website!