Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss. Despite the advancements in the field of dentistry, tooth loss is one of the most common oral health issues. Missing teeth impact more than just the look of your smile. They can cause issues with your bite, ability to chew, and even impact your speech. If left untreated, missing teeth can also impact your jaw bone and change your facial structure. Dental implants are a highly effective tooth replacement option. They offer a number of benefits and are designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth. But can dental implants be removed?
Can Dental Implants Be Removed?
Dental implants are intended to be a permanent solution for missing teeth. Dental implants in La Mirada are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Over time, the jawbone fuses with the implant. This creates a strong and highly durable foundation for an artificial tooth. Despite being a permanent solution, it is possible to remove an implant.
Removing an implant can be complex due to the nature of the treatment. Removing an implant that is partially or fully integrated into your jawbone requires surgical intervention. It may also include bone grafting. This may be necessary to restore the area where the implant has been removed. Removing an implant can also lead to complications, so it’s important to work with a skilled dentist to ensure your short- and long-term oral health.
Reasons For Dental Implant Removal
The two most common reasons for implant removal include implant failure or an infection. These are rare issues, but they do require prompt treatment from an experienced dentist.
Implant Failure:
Dental implants have a very high success rate. This is why it is important to work with a skilled dentist, as the treatment option should not pose any issues to your health. However, implant failure can occur in rare cases. If it does, implant removal may be necessary. Implant failure occurs when the implant fails to integrate with your jawbone. This can occur right after the procedure or years later. It can be caused by excessive force on the implant, bone density issues, and improper healing.
Infection:
Dental implant infections, also referred to as “peri-implantitis,” may require implant removal. When bacteria get inside the tissues surrounding your implant, it can result in an infection. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that is similar to gum disease. Severe infection can lead to bone loss and impact the structural integrity of your implant. Implant removal is necessary to prevent further oral health issues.
Dental Implant Treatment
If you have missing teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Dental implants are a highly effective and successful treatment option. The first step in moving forward with the process is setting up a consultation with an experienced dentist near you in La Mirada. They can assess whether or not you are a good candidate. It’s important to share your expectations with the dentist at your consultation. This allows them to provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision. If it is determined that you are a good candidate, then you can move forward with the procedure.
Dental implants require multiple dental visits and can take a few months to complete. This is because the first appointment involves placing a titanium post into your jawbone. This serves as an artificial tooth root. Over the next few months, the post will fuse to your jawbone. This provides stability and a foundation for the artificial tooth. An artificial tooth is placed on top of the post and is customized to blend in with the rest of your smile. Contact the team at La Mirada One Dental Group today to schedule your consultation!