Dental implant extraction is a procedure that removes an implant from the bone that can no longer be safely retained. Unlike a natural tooth, an implant is a foreign body fixed in the bone, so special techniques are required to protect the bone and gum as much as possible.

The decision to extract a dental implant is only made after careful analysis of the reasons why the implant has failed. These include infection of the tissue surrounding the implant, lack of osseointegration (the process by which the implant screw attaches to the bone), fractures or positioning errors. 

In this article, we will analyse the indications for implant extraction, the stages of the procedure, and how long recovery takes after such a procedure.

There are several causes that could lead to the extraction of a dental implant.

The most common cause is peri-implantitis, which affects the bone around the implant and leads to loss of stability.

The implantologist can use investigations such as dental radiography to observe the area where problems have arisen.

"At DENT ESTET clinics, we also use the Osstell Beacon® device to monitor and evaluate osseointegration, as it helps to correctly assess when the implant is ready for the final restoration."

Peri-implantitis can occur especially in smokers, diabetics or people with poor hygiene. If treatments fail, the implant must be removed to stop the infection.

Other causes that may lead to the extraction of a dental implant are:

• implant mobility (lack of anchorage in the bone, i.e. lack of osseointegration)
• mechanical defects

Sometimes, even a stable implant that is poorly positioned from an aesthetic or functional point of view must be extracted and replaced.

Minimally invasive extraction

We can talk about a minimally invasive procedure when the implant is already loose and can be removed without affecting the surrounding bone structure.

The main goal is to completely remove the implant and preserve the bone so that the area can be prepared for future reimplantation. 

In these situations, special instruments are used to "unscrew" the implant in a controlled manner, with minimal trauma to the bone and surrounding tissues.

Complex surgical extraction  

If the implant is firmly attached, special drills, piezotomes or lasers are used to release the surrounding bone, avoiding damage to sensitive areas such as the sinus or mandibular nerve.

When the implant is well integrated into the bone, extraction becomes a more complex procedure. 

"In such cases, we use special drills, piezotomes or lasers to precisely remove the bone around the implant so that it can be safely extracted. Modern techniques allow us to protect sensitive areas such as the maxillary sinus or mandibular nerve. In this way, we reduce the risk of complications and ensure the conditions for proper healing of the treated area. "

Before the implant extraction procedure, the implantologist will perform a clinical and radiological assessment (using CBCT computed tomography) to see how much bone there is and how close the important structures are. 

The first stage of the extraction procedure is local anaesthesia and preparation of the area. Sometimes, light sedation may also be used. 

This is followed by the removal of the implant. If it is loose, it is simply extracted; if it is firmly fixed, a small opening is made in the gum and a small amount of surrounding bone is carefully cut away until the implant can be removed. 

After extraction, the area can be filled with bone graft material to help restore volume. In the final stage, the gums are closed and treatment with painkillers, antiseptics and regular check-ups is recommended.

If the procedure has been planned correctly, taking into account the results of clinical and radiological assessment, the risks of dental implant extraction are reduced.

After the procedure, bleeding, inflammation of the area or bone loss may occur. 

However, there is also a risk of communication with the sinus in the maxilla, and in the mandible there is a risk of nerve damage, with temporary numbness. Sometimes the bone or gum may recede, affecting the aesthetic appearance. 

Choosing an experienced surgeon and careful planning significantly reduce these problems.

The healing period varies, as the gum can heal in 1-2 weeks, while the bone needs several months to fully recover. 

In cases involving grafts, healing can take up to 6-9 months. 

"We recommend that patients who have had a dental implant extracted maintain proper hygiene, avoid smoking and eat a soft diet. It is necessary to follow the doctor's instructions to avoid complications. Regular check-ups also help to monitor progress and plan reimplantation or prosthetic work."

After removing the implant, the main objective is to restore chewing function and smile aesthetics in the long term. Depending on the clinical situation, dental reimplantation can be performed immediately or after a healing period, when the tissues are properly prepared.

To ensure correct and predictable positioning of the new implant, digital planning plays an essential role. At DENT ESTET clinics, the assessment is done through digital scans and tomography, which allow the creation of a surgical guide, a valuable tool that increases the accuracy of implant insertion and reduces the risks of the procedure. Careful assessment of the bone structure is essential before reimplantation to determine whether a bone regeneration or augmentation procedure is necessary.

If immediate reimplantation is not possible, temporary or permanent prosthetic options, such as partial prosthetic work, can be used to maintain function and aesthetics until a new implant is inserted. 

The choice of the right solution is made on an individual basis, depending on the patient's needs and the recommendation of the medical team.

Frequently asked questions about dental implant extraction

When is dental implant extraction necessary? 

The implant is removed when there is severe infection, mobility or irreparable damage. 

Is dental implant extraction painful? 

The operation is not painful due to anaesthesia. 

How long does it take to heal after implant extraction? 

The gum heals in about 2 weeks, and the bone in a few months.

Can a new implant be inserted in the same area?

In many cases, the area can be reused for a new implant. 

What are the risks associated with implant extraction? 

Risks include infection, bone loss, nerve damage, or gum retraction.

How can infections be prevented after implant extraction?

Prevention is based on delicate technique, good hygiene and regular check-ups.

1. Kim YK, et al. - Treatment strategies for dental implant removal: A literature review, Japanese Dental Science Review, 2024
2. Mombelli A, et al - Risks and complications associated with dental implant failure: Critical update, National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, 2020
3. A. Mombelli, N. P. Lang - The diagnosis and treatment of peri-implantitis, Periodontology, 2000