24
Apr
Dental Implant Removal Explained
Reviewed by Dr. Ava Khodakhast
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Reading time: three minutes
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. In some rare cases, removal of dental implants may be necessary due to complications affecting the surrounding bone and soft tissue.
Table of Contents
Can Dental Implants Be Removed?
Yes, dental implants can be removed when clinical conditions require it. Because implants are anchored in the jawbone, removal is a surgical procedure.
The focus during implant removal is to resolve the underlying issue while preserving as much surrounding bone and soft tissue as possible, which helps maintain options for future treatment.
Why Would Dental Implant Removal Be Needed?
Removal of dental implants is not common, but certain conditions can make it necessary.
Implant Failure
Early failure may occur within the first few months if osseointegration, the process where bone bonds directly to the implant surface, does not occur. This is often related to healing disruption or insufficient initial stability. Later failure develops after integration has already occurred and is typically linked to changes in the surrounding bone or ongoing stress on the implant.
Bone Loss Around the Implant
Bone loss, also known as peri-implant bone resorption, can weaken the support structure of the implant. This often starts around the top of the implant where it meets the gum. As the bone support decreases, the implant can become less stable and may no longer function properly.
Infection of Surrounding Tissue
Peri-implantitis is a localized inflammatory condition affecting the gum tissue and underlying bone around the implant. It is typically caused by bacterial accumulation and can lead to bleeding, pocket formation, and progressive bone destruction if not managed early.
Mechanical Complications
Mechanical issues involve the components of the implant system rather than the surrounding bone or tissue. This can include loosening of the abutment screw, fracture of the crown, or, less commonly, damage to the implant itself due to repeated biting forces or misalignment.
In many cases, these issues can be repaired without removing the implant. However, if the problem affects the stability of the implant or continues to recur, removal may be recommended.
Improper Positioning
Implants placed at an incorrect angle, depth, or position within the bone can affect how forces are distributed during biting. This may lead to functional problems, difficulty restoring the tooth properly, or interference with adjacent teeth, sometimes requiring removal before corrective treatment.
How Is a Dental Implant Removed?
The method used for implant removal depends on how firmly the implant is integrated with the jawbone and the condition of the surrounding tissue.
When possible, a conservative approach is used. The implant may be removed using a reverse torque technique, which involves applying controlled force to unscrew the implant from the bone, similar to removing a screw. This method helps preserve surrounding bone and soft tissue.
If the implant is too well integrated to be removed with reverse torque, a trephine bur may be used. This cylindrical instrument is placed around the implant to carefully remove a small amount of surrounding bone and free the implant. Because this approach removes some bone, it is typically considered more invasive and may require bone grafting afterward to support future treatment.
The goal in either approach is to remove the implant while preserving as much bone and soft tissue as possible.
Advanced Implant Care at Argyle Family Dental
Dr. Ava Khodakhast is a board-certified prosthodontist with advanced training in implant planning and restoration. Using detailed 3D imaging, she evaluates bone quality, implant position, and surrounding structures to help ensure implants are placed correctly and designed for long term function.
If implant removal becomes necessary, treatment is carefully planned to preserve bone and maintain options for future tooth replacement. This comprehensive approach supports both proper implant placement and thoughtful management if complications arise.
Dental Implants in Centennial, CO
To book an appointment with Dr. Khodakhast at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or visit us at 8120 S Holly St #208, Centennial, CO 80122.
FAQs
Is dental implant removal painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort during the procedure is limited. Mild soreness may occur during recovery.
How long does it take to heal after implant removal?
Soft tissue typically heals within 1 to 2 weeks, while bone healing may take several months, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Can a loose dental implant be tightened instead of removed?
If the looseness is coming from the abutment, the connector that attaches the crown to the implant, or the crown itself, it can often be tightened or repaired.
Will removing a dental implant affect nearby teeth?
When performed carefully, implant removal is focused on the implant site and is designed to preserve surrounding bone and adjacent teeth. Proper planning helps minimize impact on nearby structures.
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Dr. Ava Khodakhast
Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite dental artistry crafted by Dr. Ava Khodakhast, a
distinguished prosthodontist whose journey is a testament to the fusion of science and art in
dentistry. With an unwavering commitment to elevating lives through her specialized expertise, Dr.
Khodakhast has redefined the landscape of prosthodontics, captivating hearts with her transformative
work.
Embarking on her odyssey in 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Khodakhast's passion for her
craft led her to traverse continents for knowledge. She pursued her American DDS at the esteemed
University of Missouri, Kansas
City, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Yet, her thirst
for mastery pushed her to delve deeper. Venturing into the realm of complexity, she dedicated three
intensive years at the Medical College of Georgia, earning a master's in Oral
Biology and seamlessly
entwining it with a Residency in Prosthodontics.
Prosthodontics is the symphony of precision and creativity, where every note is a smile transformed.
Dr. Khodakhast is a virtuoso in this art, specializing in intricate cosmetic makeovers, implant
procedures, and comprehensive mouth rehabilitation. Recognized as a "Diplomate" by
the American Board of
Prosthodontics and as a "Fellow" by the American College of Prosthodontists, she soars
among the select few who define excellence in this arena. Her certification as a prosthodontist is a
testament to her rigorous education and training, making her a beacon of expertise for dental and
maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dentists themselves entrust their patients to her
care, a testament to her unparalleled mastery.
A luminary in academia, Dr. Khodakhast served as the assistant director of Advanced Education in
General Dentistry at the University
of Missouri in Kansas City. She also worked in private practice
at UMKC, applying the techniques and skills she taught in complicated, aesthetic case settings.
During her junior year of college, she graced India with her charitable work, a touch of humanity
that infuses her artistry with compassion.
Emanating from the core of her being is a dedication to her patient's well-being. You can rely on
her to provide unparalleled care rooted in scientific precision and artistic commitment.