Understanding how dental implants work will help you decide if it’s the right tooth replacement option for you.
The main advantage of a dental implant is that it’s fixed in place. This is also why many prefer it over other options. But while it’s permanent, it can still be removed.
Why might dental implants removed?
It’s rare for a dental implant to develop issues, but it can happen and require removal. Here are some reasons why.
- Repositioning. It can be because the implant isn’t in an optimal position. The metal may be protruding, become visible, or is no longer properly aligned. Correcting implant surgery is necessary to prevent problems with your bite and jawbone.
- The body has rejected the material. Side effects from implants are rare, but they can occur as the post is still a foreign body inserted into the mouth. You may experience discomfort and notice redness in your gums if your body rejects the implants.
- Early implant failure. Early implant failure occurs within the first few months of the placement. The implant may have failed as it didn’t properly attach to the jawbone either due to an infection, body or host rejection, a loose abutment, or irregularities during the healing phase.
- Late implant failure. Late implant failures can occur a year after the procedure. The implant could fail if it's exposed to too much force, becoming loose, infected, or it didn’t fully fuse into the jawbone.
How does dental implant removal work?
Your oral surgeon removes your implants. It’s crucial to take action before any issue worsens. It’s also possible for a new implant to be installed.
Your surgeon may use a trough bur to cut a small amount of the bone tissue and remove the implant. They also examine the site to determine if a bone grafting procedure is necessary. Some healthy bone tissue may need to be extracted to clear and prepare the area for the replacement.
Your surgeon can also use an adapter for the dental implant removal procedure. It’s a less invasive, more advanced technique as it allows your dentist to take out the implant without making incisions.
Your surgeon attaches the adapter to the implant. Then they engage a high-torque instrument to the adapter to remove the implant from the bone.
They may need to cut a small amount of bone at the top if it's very dense or if the implant is tight. By using an adapter, the need to remove a significant amount of bone is prevented.
Implant complications can be avoided with the help of good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits. Seeing your dentist regularly allows them to identify potential issues and keep them from progressing.
Have more questions about dental implant removal in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan? If you need an implant removed, we can look into more comfortable options so you can preserve existing bone. It can take a few months for the site to heal. After which, we evaluate your needs and look into the next steps we can take.
Contact us today at (419) 536-9196 if you’re in Toledo, Ohio, and have more questions about dental implants or feel there’s something wrong with your implant.
We do our best to assist you right away. We can also help you arrange an appointment with one of our friendly dentists.