When Does a Dental Implant Need to Be Removed?
While dental implants have an excellent long-term success rate, certain situations may require implant removal. Infection around the implant (peri-implantitis), mechanical failure, nerve damage, improper positioning, or significant bone loss can all compromise an implant’s stability and your overall oral health.
Dr. Cherry specializes in evaluating compromised implants and determining whether treatment, revision, or removal is the best path forward for your health and comfort.
Signs Your Implant May Need Attention
- Persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort around the implant site
- Implant mobility or loosening of the restoration
- Receding gum tissue exposing the implant surface
- Chronic infection that does not respond to treatment
- Bone loss visible on imaging around the implant
- Numbness or tingling suggesting nerve involvement
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, early evaluation is critical. The sooner a failing implant is assessed, the more options are available to preserve your bone and surrounding tissue.
Our Approach to Implant Removal
Implant removal is a specialized surgical procedure that requires precision and advanced training. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Cherry has extensive experience safely removing implants while preserving as much bone and soft tissue as possible.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Every case begins with a thorough clinical and radiographic examination. We assess the implant’s stability, the condition of the surrounding bone, and the health of adjacent teeth to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Gentle Surgical Technique
Using specialized instruments designed specifically for implant removal, we carefully extract the implant with minimal disruption to surrounding bone. Sedation options are available to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Site Preservation and Next Steps
After removal, we often perform bone grafting to preserve the site for a future replacement implant. Dr. Cherry will discuss your options — including whether a new implant can be placed, and what timeline to expect for healing and restoration.
Why Choose a Periodontist for Implant Removal?
Periodontists receive three additional years of specialized surgical training beyond dental school, focused specifically on the tissues that support teeth and implants. This expertise is critical when removing implants, as the goal is not just extraction — it’s preserving your bone, protecting adjacent structures, and setting the foundation for successful future treatment.
Schedule Your Evaluation
If you’re experiencing issues with a dental implant, don’t wait. Contact Foundation Implants & Periodontics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cherry. Early intervention gives you the best chance for a positive outcome.