Can You Unscrew a Dental Implant?
Yes, unscrewing a dental implant is possible but it should only be performed by a qualified oral surgeon or implant specialist to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome for you.
In rare cases where complications arise, such as implant failure, infection, or damage to the surrounding tissues, surgical intervention can be necessary to unscrew the implant. This typically involves a procedure known as implant removal surgery, where the implant is carefully removed from the jawbone.
How To Remove a Dental Implant | Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step procedure that specialists follow to remove a dental implant:
Anesthesia Administration
Before the procedure begins, the patient is typically administered local anesthesia to numb the area around the implant. In some cases, sedation can also be provided to ensure the patient remains comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
Incision and Flap Elevation
Gingival Incision will be followed with proper anatomical landmarks to minimize trauma and facilitate flap elevation. The mucoperiosteal flap is carefully elevated to expose the underlying bone and provide adequate visibility and access to the implant structure
Exposing the Implant
The oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the dental implant and surrounding bone. The incision is carefully placed to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and facilitate access to the implant.
Loosening the Implant
With the help of specialized instruments such as luxators, elevators, or implant removal kits, the dentist applies gentle and controlled forces to gradually loosen the implant from its osseointegrated position.
Removal of Osseointegrated Implant
The dentist applies controlled forces to disengage the implant from the surrounding bone without causing undue trauma or compromising adjacent structures.
By paying careful attention dentist will preserve the integrity of the surrounding bone architecture during the implant removal process to facilitate subsequent implant placement.
The mucoperiosteal flap is repositioned and secured in place using appropriate suturing techniques to promote primary wound closure.
Why Would a Dental Implant Need To Be Removed
Following are some specific reasons for the removal of a dental implant:
- Implant failure.
- Peri-implantitis.
- Bone loss.
- Implant fracture.
- Nerve or tissue damage.
- Prosthesis complications.
- Allergic reactions.
- Implant migration.
Is It Painful To Have a Dental Implant Removed
Yes, the removal of a dental implant can involve some discomfort or sensations during the procedure and mild post-operative discomfort.
It is generally well-tolerated by patients because of local anesthesia and appropriate pain management techniques. However, the pain is manageable and is less painful than the removal of natural teeth.
What Is The Recovery Time For Dental Implant Removal?
You can expect to fully recover within a few weeks, with little discomfort or swelling gradually subsiding over time. The recovery period for dental implant removal is relatively short, with patients usually able to resume their normal activities within a few days to a few weeks after the procedure.
Is Implant Removal a Major Surgery?
Implant removal is generally considered a minor surgical procedure instead of a major surgery. Because it typically does not require extensive incisions or significant alterations to the surrounding tissues.
Patients can resume their normal activities within a relatively short period after the procedure. However, it is a must to know that the complexity of the removal procedure may vary depending on factors such as the implant’s integration with the bone and the presence of any complications.