Why Would a Dental Implant Need to Be Removed?

Dental implants from Michaela Tozzi, DMD offer a great way to replace a missing or damaged tooth and are often preferred for the lifelike qualities they can bring to a person’s smile. This treatment option can offer tooth replacement longevity over traditional denture and bridge solutions and provides a high level of success for most implant patients. In a small percentage of cases, however, a dental implant may fail and need to be removed from the jaw. As an experienced cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Michaela Tozzi has the expertise required to know when implant removal may be necessary to preserve a patient’s oral health. For more on dental implant procedures or implant removal, please schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Tozzi.

What causes dental implants to fail?

A dental implant is a titanium screw (or other biocompatible material) that is inserted into the jaw. Once firmly anchored into the bone, it can support a custom, natural-looking dental restoration, such as a dental crown. In most cases, the implant will fuse with the bone over a period of several months (a process called osseointegration) and forge a solid connection with the jaw. When this does not occur as planned or the tissues around the implant become infected, the implant could fail and may need to be removed. A number of factors can lead to implant failure and the need for dental implant removal in Las Vegas, NV patients, including:

• Peri-implantitis (inflammation and infection in the gum and bone surrounding the implant)
• Failure to integrate with the bone
• Tooth implant rejection
• Poor healing
• Placement of the implant near or within the sinus
• Allergic reaction to implant materials
• Unequal distribution of biting forces
• Systemic health concerns (such as diabetes)
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking

What are the signs of early dental implant failure?

In some instances, Dr. Tozzi may be able to save an implant in peril. If you notice that your implant feels uncomfortable or something simply feels off, please schedule an appointment at our Las Vegas, NV dental office right away. The following are common signs and symptoms of early dental implant failure:

• Bleeding or pus
• Tenderness or discomfort
• Swelling or inflammation
• Exposure of metal implant threads
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Nerve pain after dental implant placement
• A loose dental implant

What if my best option is dental implant removal?

Attending routine dental exams and cleaning visits at Michaela Tozzi, DMD can help maintain your dental implant and overall oral health. But if your implant cannot be saved, Dr. Tozzi may perform a surgical procedure to carefully take the implant out of your jaw and help preserve the surrounding structures. Once the area is healed, she can then help you determine whether another implant or a different type of tooth replacement is ideal to maintain your oral function and smile.

Quality dental implant care in Las Vegas, NV

At Michaela Tozzi, DMD, we work closely with patients to help them maintain their dental implants and oral health so they can enjoy the benefits of a natural-looking, functional smile well into the future. However, there are times when removing a dental implant from the jaw is the ideal solution for supporting a patient’s overall oral health. If you believe you may have signs of early dental implant failure, or have other concerns about your implant, please schedule a visit with Dr. Tozzi in Las Vegas, NV.