An Overview Of Steps For Replacing A Failed Implant
Dental implants are successful 95% of the time. Those that fail, the remaining five percent, do so as a result of different factors, such as infection, nerve damage, and overloading (undue pressure on the implant). A failed implant has to be removed and replaced by a new one. Here is an overview of the steps dentists take to replace such implants:
Removing the Failed Implant
As you would expect, the first step is to remove the failed implant so that the site can be prepared for a replacement. The removal must be done in such a way that minimal tissue damage occurs, which is the only way to increase the chances of success for the subsequent implant.
Though there are different techniques for doing this, your dentist is likely to opt for the least invasive one. The bone tissues need to be preserved to provide an anchor for the second implant. The more of your natural bone tissues are preserved, the higher the chances of succeeding with the subsequent implantation process. The complexity of the process depends on a number of issues, such as the nature and number of components over the implant and the relative mobility of the implant.
Your dentist will remove the implant by rotating it so that the surrounding tissues experience minimal damage. The exact method of its removal depends on the type and design of the implant system.
Bone Grafting
The next step is to execute a bone graft into the empty socket of the removed implant. This is necessary to speed up the healing process of the wound since you can only receive the new implant once the site heals. Without this grafting, the bone tissues around the socket would recede and impede the success of the new treatment. Just like with other forms of grafting, the success rate of the graft increases considerably if the donated bone comes from your body.
Second Implant
The site is then left to heal for a few months before your second implant is scheduled. Not only is this necessary for the original wound to heal, but it also provides adequate time for the graft tissues to bond with the existing tissues at the graft site. This is necessary because an adequate bone tissue is needed to anchor the new implant.
Do not make the decision to remove the failed implant without your dentist's input, and never try to remove the implant at home. Such unprofessional extraction may result in considerable tissue damage and make it more difficult for the dentist to prepare the site for a subsequent implant. Lastly, remember to follow your dentists post-operative care advice (to the letter) to increase your chances of success.
For more information, contact Christopher L. Schneider, DMD or a similar dental professional.
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