Can Dental Implants Be Removed?

In order to replace missing teeth, dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They are designed to last a lifetime and provide a natural-looking and functional smile. However, in some rare cases, dental implants may need to be removed. Here are some of the reasons why dental implants may fail and how they can be removed safely.

Reasons for Dental Implant Removal

Dental implant failure can be classified into three categories: early failure, late failure, and changing the position of the implant .

• Early failure occurs when the implant does not integrate with the jawbone properly. This can happen due to infection, poor surgical technique, insufficient bone quality or quantity, or excessive loading of the implant . Early failure usually happens within the first few months after the implant placement .
• Late failure occurs when the implant loses its connection with the bone after being stable for a long time. This can happen due to peri-implantitis, which is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues around the implant . Peri-implantitis can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, or other systemic diseases . Late failure usually happens after several years of implant function .
• Changing the position of the implant occurs when the patient wants to modify their smile or bite by moving or replacing the implant. This can happen due to aesthetic reasons, functional reasons, or complications with the implant-supported prosthesis . Changing the position of the implant usually happens at the patient’s request .

Techniques for Dental Implant Removal

There are two main techniques for dental implant removal that are widely used by dentists: using a trough bur or using an adapter .

• Using a trough bur involves cutting a small part of the bone around the implant with a special cutting tool called a trough bur. The trough bur is very precise and only cuts 1 mm of bone tissue . This allows the dentist to loosen and remove the implant without damaging the surrounding bone too much . The advantage of this technique is that it can be used for any type of implant and it does not require any special equipment . The disadvantage is that it may cause some bone loss and bleeding .
• Using an adapter involves attaching a device called an adapter to the top of the implant. The adapter has a screw-like mechanism that allows the dentist to unscrew and remove the implant from the bone . The advantage of this technique is that it does not cause any bone loss or bleeding and it allows for immediate implant replacement if possible . The disadvantage is that it can only be used for certain types of implants and it requires specific adapters for each implant system .

Conclusion

Dental implants are a fantastic solution for restoring your smile and replacing missing teeth. However, in some rare cases, they may need to be removed due to various reasons. If you have any concerns about your dental implants or if you want to change their position, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will assess your circumstances and advise you on the best course of action. Dental implant removal is a safe and effective procedure that can be done with minimal discomfort and complications.