Patient Guide for Dental Implant Removal

Q: Why did my implant have to be removed?

This is the most important question we can answer. An implant may need to be removed for several reasons, which fall into two main categories: Lack of Osseointegration: Sometimes, the implant never fully fuses with the bone. In these cases, the removal is often a simple procedure where the implant can be easily “untorqued.” Complications with an Integrated Implant: More commonly, the implant is solid in the bone but must be surgically removed due to problems that threaten its long-term health or the health of your mouth. These can include: Malposition: The implant was placed at an angle that is impossible to restore properly. Severe Bone Loss (Peri-Implantitis): An infection has destroyed the bone supporting the implant. Esthetic Issues: Severe gum recession has exposed the metal of the implant, creating an unesthetic appearance. Anatomical Impingement: The implant is damaging a nerve, a sinus, or an adjacent tooth.

Q: What happens to the bone after the implant is removed?

This is a critical part of the process. The removal of a failed implant—especially a surgically removed one that was integrated—inevitably leaves a significant hole or defect in the jawbone. It is not possible to place a new implant into this damaged site immediately. To address this, we almost always perform a major Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) procedure at the same time as the implant removal. This involves filling the defect with bone grafting material to rebuild the foundation.

Q: Can I get a new implant in the same spot right away?

No. The bone grafting material we place is a scaffold. Your body needs time to grow new, healthy bone into this scaffold, which is a slow, natural process that typically takes 6 months or longer. Attempting to place a new implant before the site has fully healed and matured would lead to another failure. It is also important to understand that placing a new implant into a previously failed site carries a statistically higher risk, which is why this healing and grafting phase is so critical.

Q: Are there other ways to get teeth without waiting for a bone graft?

That’s an excellent question about different treatment philosophies. Some approaches may suggest bypassing the damaged area by placing longer implants into “remote anchorage” sites, such as the cheekbone (zygomatic implants) or other facial bones. Our clinical philosophy is different. We believe in rebuilding what was lost. Our approach is to first restore a healthy, stable bone foundation in the original, natural tooth position. We believe this is the most conservative and predictable path to a successful long-term result, and it avoids introducing implants into more critical anatomical areas that carry their own unique and complex risks. Our goal is to solve the foundational problem, not to work around it.

Surgical Care Instructions

Pain Management

You have undergone a complex surgical procedure. Post-operative soreness is normal. The level of discomfort will depend on how the implant was removed.

Standard Protocol: For the first 3-5 days, we recommend a scheduled regimen of 600mg of Ibuprofen AND 500mg of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) taken together every 6 hours. This is highly effective at managing inflammation.
Important Disclaimer: Only take medications as specifically prescribed by our office, considering your unique health history.
Antibiotics: You must finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent infection.

Bleeding Control

Minor oozing of blood from the surgical site is normal for the first 24-48 hours.

Pressure: Bite down gently but firmly on the provided gauze packs over the surgical areas. Change them as needed.
Avoid: Do not spit, use a straw, or smoke. Avoid vigorous rinsing.

Swelling Management

Swelling and bruising are normal and expected, especially if the implant required surgical removal.

Ice Packs (CRITICAL): For the first 24-48 hours, consistently apply ice packs to the outside of your face over the surgical areas for 20 minutes on, then 10 minutes off.
Peak Swelling: Swelling and bruising will be at their worst on the third or fourth day and will gradually subside.

Oral Hygiene/Site Care

The removal of a dental implant often leaves a significant defect that must be allowed to heal completely undisturbed. In almost all cases, we have placed a substantial bone graft and a protective membrane at the time of removal.

DO NOT pull your lip or cheek back to look at the site. This can tear the delicate sutures and cause the graft to fail.
DO NOT poke the area with your tongue or fingers.
Rinsing: Do not rinse for 24 hours. After that, you may begin gently rinsing with the prescribed medicated rinse or warm salt water after meals. Let the water fall out of your mouth; do not spit.
Brushing: You can and should brush all other teeth normally, but stay completely away from the surgical site until your sutures are removed.

Dietary Recommendations

Stick to a soft, non-chew diet for the first several days.
Do not chew on the side of your mouth where the surgery was performed. Any pressure on the graft site can cause the procedure to fail.

Activity Restrictions

Avoid all strenuous physical activity, exercise, or heavy lifting for at least 5-7 days. Your body needs to rest to heal properly, and increased blood pressure can cause bleeding and throbbing at the surgical sites.