Dental implants are growing in popularity for people who need to replace one or more teeth. They are even an alternative to dentures. If you chose implants, you liked the convenience of:

  • A tooth replacement meant to be permanent
  • An artificial tooth that is molded to look authentic
  • A tooth that matches the rest of your teeth in color
  • A tooth that is mounted on a titanium post inserted in your jawbone

Implants don’t need to be removed. They are meant to function as well as your natural teeth. If you have a positive experience, they could last for at least the next twenty years. On rare cases, you may need to have your implants removed or replaced.

What is Dental Implant Removal?

In the event that your dental implant fails, your Los Angeles periodontist is your best resource for dental implants removal. In order to have a successful implant, the bone of your jaw and the titanium post must become firmly fused together. This is what causes the crown or artificial tooth to be fixed in place so it isn’t taken out of your mouth like dentures. In some cases, the dental implant may fail. For example:

  • The titanium post may not fuse with the jawbone
  • The jawbone may deteriorate
  • The gums may become infected

If the post becomes loose or gum disease occurs, dental implants removal will be recommended. If you don’t have the implant removed, it could result in severe bone loss. An infection could cause an abscess to form and increase your risk of a spread of your infection throughout your body.

What Causes Dental Implant Failure?

When you have a dental implant procedure, it will begin with oral surgery. Your Los Angeles periodontist will make preparations for your implant. If you have a deteriorated tooth, it will need to be removed. An incision will be made in your gums in the spot where you are having a tooth replaced. A titanium post is inserted into your jawbone. At this point, you will have to wait for the post to fuse with your jawbone. Once fused, your permanent implant will be mounted in place. If the post doesn’t become secure, it will have to be removed. If you don’t have good oral hygiene, peri-implantitis may develop. Infection in your bone and gums can result in failure. A blow to your jaw can also cause your implant to fail.

How is the Dental Implant Removed?

Dental implants can be removed at any time that it is necessary. This holds true if your implant is new or you have had it for years. The longer your implant is in place, the more firmly attached to the bone it may be. This could make removal more difficult. Generally, implants in your lower jaw are more challenging to remove. However, your periodontist can never predict if an implant in the upper jaw will come out with ease. You can expect anesthesia or sedation to be used in order to control your pain. Your crown will be detached from the titanium post first. The mount for the crown, known as an abutment, will be removed next. Finally, the titanium post will be removed. It’s like unscrewing a screw. A specific tool is used to latch on to the implant. Once latched on, it will begin to twist, bringing the implant slowly out of your jaw. In some cases, the post may become stripped like a screw. Your periodontist will make a new notch in the post in order to successfully remove it. Your Los Angeles periodontist may need to remove small portions of bone around the implant to free it from your jawbone. If the post itself breaks, removing it can become more complicated. If you have a healt