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Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, but in some cases, removal may be required. Understanding when and why this occurs helps guide appropriate next steps and treatment planning.
Table of Contents
- Can Dental Implants Be Removed?
- Why Removal of Dental Implants May Be Necessary
- How Dental Implant Removal Is Performed
- Risks of Delaying Dental Implant Removal
- Dental Implant Care at Foley & Le Oral Surgery
- Dental Implant Evaluation in Boulder, CO
- FAQs
Can Dental Implants Be Removed?
Yes, dental implants can be removed when clinically indicated. Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, so removal is a surgical procedure.
The goal of dental implant removal is to address the underlying issue while preserving as much surrounding bone and tissue as possible for future treatment options.
Why Removal of Dental Implants May Be Necessary
Dental implants are designed to be permanent, so removal is uncommon but may be recommended under specific conditions.
Implant Failure
In some cases, the implant does not properly fuse with the bone. This is known as failed osseointegration and can lead to mobility or instability.
Infection or Peri-Implantitis
Infection around the implant can damage the surrounding bone and soft tissue. If not controlled, removal may be necessary to prevent further progression.
Mechanical Complications
Fractures of the implant or components can occur over time. If repair is not possible, removal may be recommended.
Bone Loss
Significant bone loss around the implant can compromise support. This may affect long-term stability and require removal.
Positioning Issues
In some cases, a previously placed implant may not be ideally positioned within the jaw. Factors such as angle, depth, or alignment can affect function, comfort, or long-term stability. When this occurs, removal may be recommended to support a more predictable outcome.
How Dental Implant Removal Is Performed
The approach removal depends on how well the implant is integrated and the condition of the surrounding tissue.
In many cases, a conservative technique is used to minimize trauma to the bone. This may involve specialized instruments that gently reverse the implant out of the bone. If the implant is firmly integrated, a small amount of surrounding bone may need to be adjusted to safely remove it.
After removal, the site will likely require additional bone grafting to restore the bone to a proper height and width. This will prevent the development of an area that can become a food trap once the implant has been removed, and can prepare the site for a future implant, if that is indicated.
Risks of Delaying Dental Implant Removal
When a compromised implant is not addressed, it can lead to the progression of underlying issues.
Potential risks include:
- Continued bone loss
- Spread of infection
- Damage to adjacent teeth or structures
- Reduced options for future implant placement
Early evaluation helps determine the most appropriate course of action.
Dental Implant Care at Foley & Le Oral Surgery
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, care is provided by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, including Dr. Benjamin Foley, DDS, Dr. Thao Le, DDS, MD, and Michael Schiappa DDS, with advanced training in implant surgery and complex extractions.
Evaluation includes a clinical exam and detailed imaging to assess implant stability, surrounding bone, and overall oral health. Recommendations may include monitoring, removal, or planning for future implant placement based on these findings.
Dental Implant Evaluation in Boulder, CO
If you had a dental implant placed by one of our surgeons and notice looseness, discomfort, or changes in how the implant feels, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible. Early assessment helps identify potential concerns and determine the most appropriate next steps.
To book an implant evaluation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
FAQs
The procedure is performed under appropriate anesthesia, so discomfort during removal is limited. Mild soreness afterward is expected and typically manageable.
In many cases, yes. Replacement depends on bone quality and healing. Bone grafting and further ridge augmentation may be recommended before placing a new implant.
Initial healing usually occurs within a few weeks, but full bone healing can take 3-6 months on average, especially if grafting is involved.
Common signs include pain, mobility, swelling, infection, food impaction, or changes in how the implant feels when biting.
