Dental Implant Removal

For people who’ve had to live with unhealthy gums, damaged, or missing teeth, dental implants are a true godsend. As the years progress, dental implant technologies continue to advance, making for more efficient procedures. As if a 90-95% success rate is not wonderful enough, we predict it won’t be long until the success rate draws even nearer to the 100% mark.

Despite the incredible success rate of dental implants, there are still times when a dental plant needs to be removed. In many cases, the need for removal arises shortly after the initial implant placement surgery. In some cases, an implant may have to be removed years after the initial surgery.

We thought we would take some time out of our day to educate our clients about dental implants and why they sometimes might have to be removed. Over the course of this blog post, we will discuss dental implants themselves, the reasons one might need to remove them, and what the removal process looks like for our patients. We will also explore the straightforward, health-conscious ways in which you can reduce the chances of ever having to remove and replace your dental implant.

If you find you have any further questions over the course of this read, do not hesitate to contact our incredible and helpful staff at (416) 928-3444.

Who Is an Ideal Dental Implant Candidate?

It goes without saying that dental implants can enrich the lives of the patients who receive them. With well-crafted and well-placed implants, people can chew their food comfortably and speak without the minor impediments that might arise as a result of missing teeth. What’s more, dental implants restore people’s smiles—and their sense of self-confidence. For many, getting their smile back is the real game-changer.

In order for a patient to reap the many benefits of a new, natural-looking tooth, they need to be prepared to take care of their teeth and gums. Though dental implants are constructed from various materials, they are very much like your natural teeth. They need to be looked after—as do your gums and the rest of your teeth, too.

Individuals that suffer from—or are at risk of developing—gum disease (periodontitis) or have experienced significant bone loss in the jaw might not be ideal candidates for this procedure. For implants to settle and heal properly, they need a healthy implant site. Without healthy gums, an implant may never heal and only lead to oral infections. If infections go untreated for long, the implant may need to be removed.

Prepping for the Implant

For individuals who may not have the most optimal oral health or have compromised immune systems that put them at risk of implant failure, there is still hope. Through optimal oral hygienic practices and a host of inpatient procedures, a patient can restore their oral health. People with periodontal disease can, over time, restore balance to their teeth and gums with proper care. For those who’ve lost bone in their jaw, bone graft procedures are also an option. After these issues have been addressed, and the patient feels ready to follow a strict, fulfilling hygienic plan, a successful implant placement may be in their future.

When Dental Implants Need to Be Removed

As we have already discussed, dental implants, like natural teeth, require optimal conditions. A patient’s gums must not only be healthy at the very outset, but they must remain healthy. It is especially important that the gums remain healthy and looked after during the healing stages. The healing stages are when the gums and surrounding areas are most vulnerable to infection.

Infection and bone loss can occur without any pain or discomfort. That is why it is so important for patients to follow a strict hygienic regimen regardless of whether they detect issues.

The Perils of Peri-Implantitis

Some dental implants might have to be removed as a result of Peri-Implantitis. Peri-Implantitis is a severe form of gum disease that results in the loss of bone surrounding the implant site. It is an infection that develops rapidly or gradually over time. If left untreated, this infection could lead to the loss of the implant.

Dental Implant Removal Process

If we need to remove a dental implant to preserve the health of your remaining teeth and gums, we can most definitely do so. Late-stage and early-stage removals are both very similar and do not take much time. The process requires us to carefully remove the crown, the abutment, and the implant screw. With our anesthesia and adjustable sedation options, this is a painless procedure. Like most oral procedures, however, you will feel some manageable discomfort afterwards.

After we have removed the implant, we can get to work on treating the infected area. In the event of Peri-Implantitis or other forms of gum disease, we will work with you to improve your oral health.

Can We Avoid Implant Removal?

Infections and issues such as Peri-Implantitis do not guarantee the loss of a dental implant. If you are able to catch these issues early enough, treatment can halt and even reverse the negative impact of infection. In the case of P-I, we can reverse bone loss by disinfecting and re-preparing the implant surface via bone regeneration.

As for other issues, antibacterial irrigation is one of our trusted remedies. Antibacterial treatments put a stop to the bacterial infections that can cause harm to your gums and new implant.

As always, we strongly recommend our clients to practice proper hygiene diligently. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings courtesy of a trusted dentist are of the utmost importance. The healthier your gums are, the stronger your implant will be.

Learn More About Dental Implants Today

If you are looking to learn more about dental implants, we invite you to contact Dr. Suzanne Caudry and her team at (416) 928-3444. Knowledge is power, and we believe in empowering newcomers and patients.