Dental implants are a versatile treatment because of the aesthetic, structural, and functional benefits that patients receive. These unique prosthetics can be incorporated into subsequent restorative treatments like holding dentures and bridges in place and help a patient’s smile look more uniform.
An important question to consider when exploring this service is if dental implants can be replaced. With proper care, dental implants can last nearly a lifetime, but things can happen, and you might need to return to the dentist for future treatment.
Whereas this blog will focus exclusively on replacement of dental implants, it is important to remember that dental implants are covered by a prosthetic or crown and like all crowns, can incur damage. However, dental implant crowns can be easily replaced. Get in touch with your community dentist if you experience cracks, chips, or other damage to your implant crown or to find out more about dental implant replacement.
What are Implants?
Artificial tooth roots, or dental implants, are commonly provided to patients who are missing teeth. Fashioned from biocompatible titanium, this material does not irritate your gum and bone tissues and will not rust.
The screw, abutment, and prosthetic are the three pieces that compose a dental implant. The screw is surgically installed into your jaw using a drill; after several months, they will fuse to establish a sturdy foundation. The abutment is placed afterward and fastens the screw to the prosthetic. A porcelain dental crown is often used to cover the implant. Once the procedure is complete, your smile will look as good as new.
You must meet with a dentist near you before undergoing any form of restorative dentistry; not everyone is a good candidate for this solution. Your dentist will carefully inspect your smile and mouth and take x-rays to assess the strength of your jaw. If you lack bone material, you may need to undergo a bone graft before receiving implants.
If you have questions about acquiring dental implants in Millwoods, let your dentist know so they can effectively address them.
What are the Advantages of Implants?
Alongside replacing missing teeth, dental implants can be beneficial for a number of other reasons, such as:
- Enhanced Speech — Since every implant is made to fit you exactly, your implants will not shift, allowing you to communicate clearly.
- Stability — Once the screws are implanted, they are given time to fuse with your bone. This period results in lasting oral stability moving forward, whether you acquire a crown or another type of prosthetic.
- Comfortable — Impressions are taken to ensure that your implant and crown satisfy the dimension of your mouth. As a result, they will seamlessly fit into your smile, and you will not experience any discomfort.
- Help Preserve Natural Teeth — Implants do not impact your surrounding teeth. When they fill the space, they stop your teeth from moving out of place and maintain your bite pattern and chewing ability.
- Ease of Maintenance — You can care for your implants like your regular teeth; this includes brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and attending biannual checkups.
- Increased Self-Esteem — Last but certainly not least, when the gaps in your smile are filled in, your smile will look beautiful again, and you can feel proud to show it off when you go to work or meet friends.
Can You Replace a Dental Implant?
Dental implantation has a success rate of around 95%, making this a very viable option. However, even though they are regarded as a long-term solution, in certain situations, implants may need to be replaced. Examples include:
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Implantation Failure
This is rare, but it’s crucial to remember that no procedure is perfect. Implant failure can occur due to poor osseointegration, meaning the jawbone and the screw did not fuse properly or infection.
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Peri-Implantitis
This refers to inflammation around the implant, a symptom that also manifest when a patient is dealing with gum disease. If the implant is not replaced, it can eventually give rise to bone deterioration.
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Damage to the Implant
Dental implants are durable, not invincible. Extreme force to your smile or oral trauma can cause fractures and injury to not just your remaining teeth but your implant as well.
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Improper Placement
To obtain a sturdy base for your smile, the implant screw must be placed strategically and correctly. If it is not, it won’t improve your oral function. Repositioning the implant will most likely be done, but if this isn’t possible, it will be replaced entirely.
Ultimately, dental implants can indeed be replaced. This involves visiting your dentist in Millwoods and having them reassess your case to determine what the best path forward is. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Following your dentist’s instructions and prioritizing your oral hygiene will ensure that your implants, when placed correctly, last for an extended period. There are, however, multiple risk factors that may cause an implant to fail, and they are:
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Gum Disease
Dental implants cannot decay, but they can succumb to the effects of gingivitis and more advanced stages of periodontitis.
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Bruxism
Constant grinding and clenching can affect more than just your natural teeth; prosthetics and restorative structures like implants can also be impacted. The stress placed on them by this action can cause them to fail. Talk to your dentist about acquiring a night guard if you are dealing with bruxism, as it will help protect your smile.
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Diabetes
So long as this condition is properly managed daily, implants can be a great solution for patients with diabetes. Adhering to the pre-and post-operative guidelines is still essential if you want your treatment to be successful and avoid any issues.
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Cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation, which suppress your immune system, can give rise to negative consequences for dental implantation.
With that said, common factors that can increase one’s risk for implantation failure are:
- Smoking
- Bone loss
- Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
- Certain medications
Signs Your Implant May Need Retreatment
Warning signs that your tooth implant could need replacing are:
- Discharge coming from the site
- Bleeding
- A fever
- A crack or chip has formed in your crown
Concerning implant failure, the following are some common symptoms that, if you are experiencing, should be addressed by a dental professional soon:
- Sinus issues
- Nerve damage – Numbness and tingling may occur
- A loose implant falls out completely
- Peri-implantitis – When the gum and bone surrounding the implant are inflamed from an infection. This is quite rare, and it is treatable.
70-90% of patients who have undergone dental preimplantation experience success. However, it is still crucial to meet with your dentist on a routine basis to keep your smile.
Unfortunately, not every failed implant can be replaced; it is up to the discretion of your oral health provider as to whether this is possible in your case.
Do You Need Restorative Dentistry? Contact Us Today!
The staff here at our neighborhood dental office is at your disposal, ready to assist you with all our dental needs. We offer cleanings, dental fillings, teeth whitening, and dental implants near you. You are encouraged to call or email our team to arrange a consultation today.
We are excited to work with you!
