Dental Implant Removal: Is It Necessary & How Does It Work?
There is a small percentage of time when dental implant removal is necessary due to implant failure or the patient's choice. Although replacing missing or damaged teeth with dental implants is a highly successful option for most patients, there are times when dental implants need to be removed. Understanding the instances that call for the removal of dental implants and how the procedure works will help you make informed decisions about your care.
Reasons for Dental Implant Removal
Research shows that the international dental implant success rate is 95%. With this high percentage of success in regard to dental implant placement, removing implants is rare. However, there are a few potential reasons for implant removal.
Implant Failure
Implant failure is the main reason dental implants need to be removed. Although rare, failed dental implants can happen for several reasons including:
Poor osseointegration (The implant and bone did not fuse correctly.)
Mechanical issues
Excessive stress on the dental implant
Fractured Implants
Infection around the Implant
Peri-implantitis is a dental implant infection that affects the tissue and bone around an implant site. The breakdown of soft tissue and bone surrounding the dental implant causes pain and swelling and can lead to dental implant failure.
Allergic Reaction or Rejection of the Implant
A rare cause of needing dental implant removal surgery is an allergic reaction to the materials used in the implant. Patients with a known sensitivity to titanium can avoid this problem by opting for zirconium implants.
Cosmetic Preferences
Occasionally, patients are not satisfied with the aesthetics of the new dental implant. Although dental implants are designed to look like natural teeth, the patient may decide to undergo oral surgery to have it removed if unhappy with the look or feel of the implant.
The Dental Implant Removal Procedure
Implant removal surgery depends on the patient's specific situation. Dentists look at how long the new implant has been in the mouth. Has the implant lost bone support or is it still fully integrated into the jawbone? The goal of removal is to remove as little of the surrounding bone as possible.
The removal procedure differs depending on whether the failure is considered “early” or “late.” Early failure is defined as new implants that have not yet joined to the bone. Late oral implant failures apply to osseointegrated implants and require a more detailed extraction plan.
Early and Late Failures
The early dental implant failure removal process is similar to the original implant surgery but in reverse. Anesthesia is used for the patient's comfort as the crown and abutment are removed. Finally, the post will be extracted. Many times, the implant can simply be unscrewed from the bone.
A late failure is more complicated as the implant has already attached to the bone. The patient may have to be completely sedated. The type of procedure will depend on how much bone is around the post.
A trephine bur may be used to separate the implant from the bone.
A reverse screw technique (RST) can be used if there is a not good amount of dense bone left around the implant site.
Piezo surgery removes unwanted or damaged implants with ultrasonic waves.
Another tool that can remove osseointegrated implants is a laser. Using lasers minimizes bone loss, but takes more time.
Dental Implant Removal Procedures
For both early and late dental implant failure, the removal procedure has many similarities.
Assessment & Planning: The process begins with a complete evaluation, which may involve looking through the patient’s medical history and taking new X-rays. The information gathered will guide the providers as to the most appropriate treatment plan.
Local Anesthesia: Anesthesia will be used to numb the site. More involved treatments may require systemic types of dental sedation.
Removal of the Implant: An incision will be made to extract the implant. If the implant is not attached to the bone, the removal is straightforward. If it is attached to the bone, the process involves removing the implant very carefully to minimize bone loss.
Bone and Tissue Care: After the implant is removed, the implant site is carefully inspected for infection. A cleaning, bone graft, or stitches may be required.
Aftercare for Dental Implant Surgery
The patient will be given instructions on caring for the implant site. This may include instructions about pain management, oral health, and following a soft food diet. Follow-up appointments are recommended to watch for any issues that may arise. It is essential to follow the dental professional's instructions to ensure the fastest possible healing time.
How Soon A New Implant Can Be Placed
How quickly a new implant can be placed depends on the condition and goals of the patient. Immediate replacement may be appropriate if the implant site is ready. However, the patient will sometimes require a healing period before a new implant or other dental work can be done.
At Salin Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we take great care to evaluate each patient's situation carefully and craft a treatment plan that will ensure the best long-term results. We often recommend waiting before attempting another dental implant placement.
Seek Personalized Advice about Implant Removal
Dental implants are an effective and dependable choice for replacing damaged or missing teeth. However, they are not bulletproof. Very rarely, they need to be removed due to early or late failure or the patient's preferences.
Understanding the reasons for removal and how the removal surgery works is helpful for making informed and confident dentistry decisions. An experienced implant specialist can assess your unique situation and provide you with personalized advice.