Dental implant surgery is typically very successful, with some studies reporting success rates as high as 95%. However, like any surgical procedure, there is always a chance that things may not go as planned. Whether you’ve had an implant for a few months or several years, any dental implant that feels loose, painful, or off in any way should be evaluated by a dental professional. But what happens if a dental implant fails? Can it be removed—and more importantly, can it be replaced?
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants can fail for a variety of reasons, including low bone density, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
If the implant is placed in an area of the jaw with bone that is too thin or weak, failure may result due to a lack of support. In addition, some medical conditions and the medications used to treat them can interfere with healing or bone integration. For example, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who take Naproxen or those with high blood pressure may be more likely to experience complications. Patients undergoing chemotherapy in the head or neck area may also be at risk for implant deterioration over time.
Poor oral hygiene and smoking are additional risk factors. Smoking, in particular, affects blood flow and can impair healing after surgery.
Brushing and flossing daily, routine cleanings, and checkups are essential to reducing your risk of implant failure.
What Are the Types of Dental Implant Failure?
Dental implant failure is generally classified into two main categories: short-term and long-term.
Short-term failure typically occurs within the first few months after surgery. Known as failed osseointegration, it occurs when the implant fails to fuse properly with the jawbone. Movement, infection, or insufficient bone support can all contribute to early failure.
Long-term failure often results from peri-implantitis, a condition caused by bacterial buildup around the implant. This inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues can eventually cause bone loss, compromising the implant’s stability.
While some infections may respond to antibiotics, it’s important to note that peri-implantitis typically cannot be resolved with antibiotics alone. If bone loss occurs, implant removal is usually necessary.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
Removing a failed dental implant is possible, although implants that have been in place for more than two years are generally more difficult to remove. Lower jaw (mandibular) implants also tend to be harder to extract than those in the upper jaw (maxillary), and longer implants are usually more difficult to remove than wider ones.
Fortunately, the removal process is not typically painful. Your oral surgeon will use local anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
It is also important to understand that a new implant is usually not placed on the same day. A bone graft may be required to rebuild the area if the surrounding bone has been damaged or lost. This process can take several months to heal before another implant can be placed.
Ask Questions and Get Answers from the South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
If you’re experiencing problems with an existing dental implant or want to learn more about your options, schedule an initial consultation with the experienced South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. Call 856-582-4222 or contact us online. With offices in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve patients throughout South Jersey.