I know dental implants are considered permanent, but what if I change my mind about them? Are dental implants removable? I don’t want to feel stuck with them if I don’t like them. Thanks. Jerald

Jerald,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about feeling comfortable with tooth replacement, especially dental implants, which are considered permanent.

Are Dental Implants Removable?

A skilled prosthodontist, oral surgeon, or implant dentist can remove dental implants. A conscientious doctor will ensure you understand the pros and cons of dental implants and provide quality care so that you want to keep them.

Well-placed, high-quality dental implants have a high satisfaction rate. A January 2021 BMC Oral Health article on patient satisfaction with dental implants reports that ten years after implant placement, patients were satisfied with the following:

• Aesthetics
• Function
• Comfort
• Cleanability

Still, sometimes a patient has reasons to get dental implants removed.

What Are the Reasons for Removing Dental Implants?

Reasons to remove dental implants include infection, faulty procedures, medical issues, or sensitivities that can lead to dental implant failure.

• Infection – Inflammation and infection can occur with faulty or substandard implant fixtures or replacement teeth.
• Faulty procedures – Failure to take a 3-D CT scan to plan for implant placement can lead to risky practices, including placing implants in shallow bone or the wrong location. A dentist may prematurely load the implants with replacement teeth or fail to attach the crown or denture correctly.
• Medical issues – Uncontrolled chronic illnesses, including diabetes and some autoimmune diseases, can deter healing and cause implant failure.
• Smoking or vaping – Restricted blood flow from smoking or vaping hinders bone and tissue healing around dental implants.
• Allergies or sensitivities – In rare cases, a patient may negatively react to titanium dental implants, and the doctor must remove them. According to an August 2008 Clinical Oral Implants Research article, the prevalence of dental implant titanium allergies in patients is low, 0.6 percent.

Why Should You Not Remove Dental Implants?

Your doctor should not need to remove dental implants due to cosmetic concerns or discomfort related to the restorations. Instead, allow time for your dentist to resolve them, or seek a second opinion.

Examples:

• Your bite is off – A prosthodontist or dentist with advanced occlusion and bite training can adjust or replace your new crown or denture for comfort.
• You do not like your crown or denture – Before your dentist attaches your crowns or denture to the implants, ensure you are delighted with the look and feel.
• Your replacement teeth are not stable – Your prosthodontist and implant surgeon will work together to identify and resolve the cause of instability.

Schedule Dental Implant Consultations

Before choosing dental implants, we recommend scheduling consultations with at least two prosthodontists to explore your options. Ensure you understand every phase of the implant process, including:

• Planning
• Surgery
• Recovery
• Final Restoration

Knowing what to expect can help determine if you want dental implants for a lifetime or prefer a removable alternative.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Request a consultation today.