Dental implants are inserted into the bone that comprises the jaw. Once an implant has been placed, osteoblasts and connective tissue in the jaw secure it firmly in place. This, more or less, makes dental implants permanent. However, if an implant needs to be removed, it can be extracted similarly to a tooth.
Dental implants serve as a base for dental restorations such as porcelain crowns, implant supported dentures, or a dental bridge. Implants also act as a replacement tooth root, allowing them to help prevent structural changes to the jaw. Unique among tooth replacement options, dental implants are designed to stay firmly in place and constructed to prevent their coming loose or falling out. However, just like your natural teeth – which are also secured into jawbone by roots – implants can be carefully extracted when needed.
Why Remove a Dental Implant?
The most common reason for implant removal is dental implant failure. This typically occurs during the healing process and may show symptoms such as significant pain around the implant site, swelling, the presence of infection, or failure to heal. These issues are rare and can often be avoided entirely by carefully following all of the pre and postoperative instructions provided by our New York implant dentists. During your time in our care, we will work directly with you to help minimize risks and improve your chances of a successful implant procedure.
Dental implants may need to be removed after they have healed if they were placed incorrectly or if they stand in the way of a more comprehensive smile makeover. As treatment needs change, dental implants can be removed and replaced to accommodate new restorations. This is, however, fairly unusual. Under most circumstances, Dr. Ramin Tabib and Elisa Mello will work around existing restorations to reduce the amount of time you need to spend addressing cosmetic and functional issues with your smile.
Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that forms around a dental implant. Causing inflammation in the gums and surrounding bone, peri-implantitis can result in bone loss, allowing an implant to fall out. A recent study from Sweden found that nearly 26% of patients with implants placed as recently as five to ten years ago have peri-implantitis.
Symptoms of peri-implantitis include:
- Ache or pain in the gums
- Bleeding gums
- A persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Red or swollen gum tissue
In cases where the infection has spread, lymph nodes may swell in patients with peri-implantitis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to call us immediately for a thorough examination and treatment consultation.
Our Dental Implants
We offer Straumann dental implants at our Manhattan office. The most clinically validated and extensively researched dental implant system available today, Straumann implants are crafted of the highest quality materials and designed to last for decades. In fact, in over 30 years of clinical research, Straumann implants have shown a 98.8% survival rate in long-term studies. This means that, even after 10 years, almost all patients with Straumann dental implants continue to enjoy the benefits of a strong and attractive smile.
Because we use a quality dental implant, the need to remove those we place is incredibly rare. Less rare, though still uncommon, is the need to extract implants that are of poor quality or were improperly placed by other dentists.
How Are Dental Implant Removed?
Dental implants are removed in the same way as natural teeth; through an extraction process in our comfortable Manhattan office. We utilize the most advanced technology and techniques to help ensure optimal preservation of surrounding bone and tissue. This can help prevent additional grafting procedures.
If you are nervous about dental implant removal, we would be happy to discuss our sedation dentistry services during your time in our care. We offer nitrous oxide and conscious oral sedation, enabling us to meet the varied needs of each patient we see.
If you suspect you need to have an implant replaced, we welcome an opportunity to meet with you and examine your existing restorations. Please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 or visit our website to schedule a consultation today. Located in Manhattan, we provide long-lasting dental implants to patients living throughout New York City and all surrounding areas.
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