Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for lost or severely damaged teeth, however, there are cases when they may need to be taken out during a surgical procedure known as an implant removal. So what is a dental implant removal and when is it needed? This post from Sydney Dental will provide you with everything you need to know about this surgery.
It is worth noting that sometimes additional procedures may be required following a dental implant removal. When the implant fails due to inadequate jawbone density, a bone graft surgery may be needed to restore the area before the placement of a new dental implant.
1. What is a dental implant removal and when is it needed?
Dental implant removal is the process of taking a dental implant out of the jawbone. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone to replace lost teeth. Even though dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss, there are some situations where a removal is needed. A dental implant may required for the following cases:
1.1. Failed osseointegration
Osseointegration refers to the process of the dental implant post integrating into the bone in the jaw. If the implant fails to do so, it may get loose or infected, and removal may be needed in this case.
1.2. Infection
If a dental implant gets infected, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the surrounding oral tissues. This is when the implant may need to be taken out to eliminate the risk of further complications.
1.3. Mechanical failure
If a dental implant gets damaged or broken, it may need to be removed and replaced with a new dental implant.
1.4. An allergic reaction
Sometimes a patient may develop an allergic reaction to the materials used in the implant. In these cases, the implant may need to be removed and replaced with a different material.
2. What are the signs of a dental implant failure?
One common reason for dental implant removal is implant failure. If an implant fails to anchor with the bone, it may become loose or infected, and the implant may need to be removed. A failed dental implant may show the following signs:
- Pain or discomfort: Pain or discomfort around the dental implant surgical site is one of the most common signs of an implant failure. This can be caused by inflammation or infection around the implant;
- Mobility or looseness: A dental implant should be firmly anchored in the bone in the jaw. If the implant becomes loose or slides, this can be an indication of implant failure;
- Infection: Infection is a common cause of implant failure. Signs of infection are redness, swelling, or pus near the wound site;
- Bone loss: If the implant is not properly fused with the jawbone, bone loss around the implant site may occur, causing the implant to become loose or even fall off;
- Trouble chewing: If you are experiencing difficulty chewing or biting down, it may be a sign that your dental implant has failed;
- Receded gums: When the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede, the implant gets exposed, increasing the risk of infection;
- Fractures in the implant: In rare cases, the implant itself may crack or break. The causes can be excessive force or pressure on the implant.
If you are noticing any of these aforementioned signs, contact your dental care provider right away to find out the cause and come up with a suitable treatment plan.
3. What is the procedure for a dental implant removal?
Dental implant removal is a surgery where a dental implant is removed from the jawbone. The following steps involved in this procedure are as follows:
- Anesthesia: The dental professional will give you local anesthesia to numb the implant area up;
- Incision: The oral surgeon will make a small cut in the gum tissue to expose the implant;
- Removal: The dentist will use specialized tools to remove the dental implant from the jawbone. Depending on the particular case, this may involve unscrewing the implant or loosening it from the adjacent bone tissue;
- Cleaning: After the implant is taken out, the dentist will clean the area thoroughly to eliminate any debris or bacteria;
- Closure: The dentist will then stitch the incision shut, and the patient will be given care instructions during their healing time.
4. Are there any side effects associated with a dental implant removal?
There are potential risks and side effects associated with dental implant removal, just as any surgical procedure. Some side effects from dental implant removal can may occur are:
- Pain: Patients may experience discomfort or pain at the implant removal site, especially in a few days following the procedure. Pain relievers may be advised to alleviate the discomfort;
- Swelling: Swelling is quite common after a typical surgery, including dental implant removal. Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful in this case;
- Bleeding: Patients may notice mild bleeding at the implant removal area, especially immediately following the removal. Gauze can be used with pressure to stop the bleeding;
- Infection: There is a risk of infection with any surgery, including the removal of a dental implant. The dentist my prescribe antibiotics to prevent and treat infection;
- Nerve damage: In rare cases, dental implant removal can do damage to the nerves in the surrounding tissue, causing numbness, tingling, or other sensory changes. While this side effect is usually for a short time, it can be permanent in some rare cases;
- Bone loss: Removing a dental implant can sometimes result in jawbone loss around the wound area. This can be tackled with bone grafting as needed.
It’s important to stick to after-surgery instructions from the surgeon to minimize the risk of side effects and guarantee smooth healing. Contact their dentist right away should you have severe or prolonged pain, bleeding, or any other serious symptoms following the removal of a dental implant.
5. A note from Sydney Dental
In summary, dental implant removal is a surgical procedure with high successful rates as long as it is performed by a certified oral surgeon. It is best that you adhere to all post-surgery directions to facilitate proper recovery and keep the risk of complications at a minimum.
Hopefully this read on dental implant removal is informative and helpful to you learning about this tooth restoration option. If you are still unsure of anything in search of a new unforgettably stunning smile, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are at 499-501 Ba Hat St, Ward 8, District 10, HCMC, Vietnam looking forward to your visit. You may also call us at (028) 3504 9440 for a free no-obligation comprehensive consultation. Your pretty, shiny smile is 100% guaranteed at Sydney Dental!
