Dental implants are revolutionary—these tiny titanium posts can do a lot to restore a compromised smile. They’ve become a widely available within the world of restorative dentistry, but it is still possible for them to fail in rare cases. And when this happens, your oral health is in danger! If your implant is feeling loose and you’re starting to get concerned, you might be wondering what your options are. Here’s what you need to know and what to expect.
Why Do Implants Fail?
When dental implants fail, there are many different causes to investigate, but most failures can be categorized by timing.
“Early failures” occur within the first few months of it being placed. In many early failures, the implant is still very loose due to factors including micro motion (too much movement during the healing process), lack of stability, infection, as well as the healing ability of the patient. Early failures can typically be fixed with relative ease—the implant is often loose enough to easily unwind and remove.
“Late failures” are those that occur after one year, and they’re a little more complicated; sometimes an implant is firm at first, but gradually becomes less rigid due to infection, outside force, or excess pressure. Other times they can remain sturdy, but X-rays show signs of “perio-implantitis,” a disease that begins destroying the bone around the base of the implant. This can cause pain, abscesses, and foul breath, and the implant will need to go.
How Are Implants Removed?
If your dentist wants to remove one of your implants, they’ll likely use one of two different approaches.
One method involves safely cutting a small portion of your bone along the edge of the implant. This makes it much easier to remove and releases some of the built-up tension. Your dentist will try to preserve as much healthy bone as possible.
The other main approach utilizes a high amount of reverse torque to remove the failed implant; special tools are connected to it and it’s out within a matter of minutes. Both methods are perfectly safe and focus on the removal of the implant without any extra complications (like removing too much bone). Your dentist will also make sure the process is comfortable for you, no matter which method they use.
Your dental implants are an important investment, but if one fails, you aren’t on your own; your dentist is ready to assist you. Once it’s out you can get a new implant that fills in for the lost one, and you’ll be back in business.
About the Practice
Premier Dental is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife duo of Dr. Adam Jones and Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones. They proudly offer a wide range of services for families in the Vero Beach area including general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. Both Dr. Jones and Dr. Diaz Jones enjoy helping their patients achieve brighter smiles that boost their confidence, and they’d be happy to assist you with any implant-related questions you have. You can contact them through their website or by telephone: (772) 234-5353.