Can Dental Implants be Removed?

To date, there isn’t a more innovative and complete tooth replacement method than dental implants. They are designed to help replace missing teeth permanently. Dental implants are the only root-to-crown tooth restoration method that provides a complete replacement—from anchoring the teeth in the jawbone to new dental crowns that look and function like your natural teeth.

With this state-of-the-art treatment, most people who receive dental implants enjoy a much-improved quality of life. Thanks to this complete tooth replacement system, you can eat, talk, and smile confidently—almost as if you had never lost one or several teeth before.

So, why would anyone want to remove dental implants? Unfortunately, in a few cases, your periodontist may recommend it. Keep reading to learn more about why some dental implants need to be removed.

Are dental implants fixed or permanent?

“Fixed” and “permanent” are two terms that often come to mind when we think of dental implants. But are dental implants really fixed and permanent?

The short answer is yes. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, dental implants are placed in the jawbone. During the first part of the implantation process, the jawbone will need to heal and fuse with the implant.

Once healed and successfully fused, the implant provides a strong base for the actual replacement tooth. It’s because of this placement that many people come to associate dental implants with “permanent” and “fixed” tooth replacement.

Can dental implants be removed?

Since dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and fused with it, we may wonder if it’s even possible to remove it. But yes, dental implants can still be removed.

This often happens in one of two scenarios: either the implant did not integrate with the jawbone even after several months, or it was successfully fused but needs to be removed anyway. However, periodontists note that removing a fully integrated implant may be more challenging. This will require anesthetics and specialized instruments to remove the crown and the implant itself.

When are dental implants removed?

Building on the answer above, here’s an in-depth look at dental implant failure, the number one reason dental implants need to be removed. Implant failure can occur early on or after it has integrated with the jawbone. In addition, there may also be other reasons that your periodontist may recommend removing dental implants.

1. Early implant failure

Once the implant is placed in the jawbone, it takes a few or several months for the bone to heal. During this time, the implant will fuse with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration.

Early implant failure occurs when the implant does not successfully integrate with the jawbone. In this case, osseointegration is not achieved, since the implant did not properly attach to the bone. Implant failure often occurs within the first 2 to 3 months after the surgery.

Implant failure may happen due to an infection, or if the body rejects the implant outright, also known as host rejection. However, the exact cause isn’t often determined until your periodontist removes the implant.

2. Late implant failure

In other cases, the implant does successfully complete osseointegration. However, it can still fail afterwards, known as late dental implant failure. In this case, the dental implants fail at least a year after they are placed and fuse with the jawbone.

Late implant failure can be caused by an infection, use of too much force on the implant, or the implant becomes loose. It can also happen if the implant does not fully attach to the jawbone, despite appearing to do so initially.

When late implant failure occurs, your periodontist will have to completely remove it, from the crown to the abutment or attaching device and the implant itself in the jawbone.

3. Changing the position of the implant

Finally, your periodontist may recommend the removal of a dental implant in order to change its position. This becomes necessary when the implant is no longer properly aligned with the rest of your teeth, which can affect your bite.

When this happens, your periodontist will remove the implant or perform a revision implant surgery. In this procedure, they will reposition the implant to restore its proper alignment with the tooth it’s designed to support and your remaining natural teeth.

How long do dental implants last?

Despite all of these reasons why dental implants need to be removed, it’s important to remember that they’re built to last longer than that. After all, they’re a complete and permanent tooth replacement system, from root to crown.

While some implants may fail, they comprise only a small percentage of outcomes. In fact, dental implants have high success rates. This is made possible by highly skilled and experienced periodontists in Oakville, as well as proper oral hygiene. With the right periodontist and long-term care, dental implants can last for decades.

Are dental implants right for you? Ask Our Periodontists in Oakville

At Periodontal Associates, our team of renowned and experienced periodontists in Oakville are committed to restoring your complete and healthy smile. We recommend dental implants for anyone who wants to replace missing teeth permanently, from root to crown. Thanks to dental implants, you’ll be eating, talking, and smiling confidently, with new teeth that are very much like your natural ones.

But before we proceed with your dental implant surgery in Oakville, our periodontists will make sure that you are a good candidate. Our extensive training in periodontics, oral surgery, and implantology lets us determine if dental implants are right for you and whether you need a bone graft first to strengthen your jawbone.

And most of all, the specialized periodontal care we provide doesn’t end with you receiving dental implants. Periodontal Associates is committed to the long-term care of your implants and new teeth so that you can enjoy up to decades of complete oral function and a healthy smile.

Are you looking for more resources to care for your dental implants? Find out from periodontists in Oakville. Learn how to keep your implants and new teeth healthy.