Restoration Riddance: Removing a Failed Dental Implant

Dental implants almost always succeed in the long term, keeping smiles full and pretty for decades. Even so, these sturdy and durable posts can occasionally fail early. The ones that do must be removed by a dentist to prevent even worse oral issues. With that said, what does removing a failed dental implant in Thorndale involve? If you want to learn the answer, read over this brief and helpful summary from your local dental practice.

Why Would Dental Implants Fail?

While dental implants can fail for various reasons, the most common ones are:

• A Weak Jaw – When the jaw is weak and lacks density, dental implants can fail from a lack of support. This weakness is likely to occur when a patient only receives treatment after suffering extended tooth loss.
• Dental Trauma –Dental implants often fail due to mouth-related accidents and injuries. In fact, a decisive blow to your oral cavity can dislodge these posts and compromise their integrity.
• Peri-implantitis –You may develop an oral infection around your dental implant. If so, that condition (i.e., peri-implantitis) may harm the tissues near your post and cause it to fail.

Of course, only a dentist can confirm why your own dental implants failed. They’d be able to diagnose the cause after a precise oral exam.

How are Failed Implants Removed?

When dental implants fail, a dentist must remove them to preserve your oral health. The specifics of this process can vary based on the situation.

For example, a dental practice’s technology will impact the removal. Some dentists rely on a trough bur to cut bone along an implant’s edge, making room for further work. Others have advanced “adapters” that can yield high torque and remove implants without cutting bone tissue.

The dentist’s removal work is always painless, regardless of the method employed. A dental team will always apply anesthesia or sedation before removing the post.

What Happens After the Removal?

You must let your mouth heal after a failed implant’s removal. Indeed, this recovery period ensures your oral health remains stable long-term.

The “aftercare” for dental implant removal involves several steps. For starters, only have cold drinks until the anesthesia wears off; anything else might burn your mouth. You also mustn’t touch the former implant site, as doing so will delay recovery. You can also take over-the-counter pain medicine for any post-removal aches.

Removing a failed dental implant isn’t ideal, but the process does protect your grin. Remember that as you consult your dentist about implant failure and potential salvage options.

About the Practice

Chester County Dental Arts is based in Thorndale, PA. Led by Dr. Simone and his associates, our practice is ready and well-equipped to handle all sorts of oral issues. Whether your smile needs preventive, cosmetic, or even restorative care, we can (and will) provide the help it deserves. Our team can even place and remove dental implants in-house, so don’t hesitate to see us. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (610)-383-1600.