Are Dental Implants Replaceable?

If My Dental Implants Failed, Are they Replaceable?

Dental Implants are highly recommended by many dentists as a great solution for missing teeth. Even with a 90- 95% success rate, there are still instances where implants must be removed and possibly replaced, during the lifetime of the patient.

Dental implant failure, though rare, is most often associated with the inability of the implant and bone to attach to each other, or osseointegrate. This concern can be evident when the implant is mobile or lost. If the attachment between the bone and the implant is lost or not achieved, the dental implant will not be successful.

There can be impending problem too if the dental implant is placed on a bone with inadequate thickness and mass. Thin bones may not support dental implants adequately. Poor bone quality may also be unfavorable as this may delay osseointegration. All these should be seen in the diagnosis and treatment planning. A reliable dentist experienced in Dental Implants, would most-likely notice these possible bone issues prior to dental implant treatment and address them.

Inflammation of oral structures around the dental implant, called periimplantitis, can signify the possibility of failure as well. When the bone and mucosa around the implant becomes inflamed, bone loss may follow. In addition, when bone loss occurs, a vital purpose of dental implants is neglected. Patients who are heavy smokers, with diabetes, and with poor oral hygiene may experience periimplantitis.

Dental implants may fail because of wear and tear. Although this is not at all common, but can happen in situations such as when a substituted tooth receives too much force during function like biting and chewing. This is preventable by regular consultation and check-ups with your dentist.

If any of these happen, dental implants can be removed but if left unreplaced, bone resorption follows. Thus, considering new dental implants is appropriate. Dental implants may sometimes be replaced if necessary depending on different factors: status and amount of remaining bone, current medical condition of the patient, level of oral hygiene measures and existing habits like smoking. Your dentist can assess a failed dental implant if a new one is still manageable to embed.

If the problem is only with the crown attached to the implant, in most cases that can simply be removed and replaced without addressing the implant itself.

If your dental implant has failed and you want it replaced, come see Dr Matt VanderMolen. The team at Advanced Dental Care will assist you in re-achieving the beautiful smile you deserve. In their hands, dental implant failure can turn into a success.  Call us at 217-546-3333 and see how Dr VanderMolen can help you.