Broken or Infected
Dental Implant Removal
in Richmond, TX
Dental implants are the most durable tooth replacement option available — with success rates above 95% over 10 years when placed and maintained correctly. But "most durable" isn't the same as "infallible." Implants can and do fail, and when they do, prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing bone loss, infection spread, and more complex reconstruction down the road.
At Best Dental in Richmond, TX, we see patients both for initial implant placement and for the management of failed or failing implants — including cases where the implant was placed elsewhere. This guide explains what implant failure looks like, what causes it, when removal is the right call, and what happens next.
"A failing implant that's addressed early can often be replaced successfully. The longer an infected implant remains in place, the more bone it destroys — and bone loss is what makes re-implantation difficult."
If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or mobility around a dental implant, don't wait. The difference between an implant that can be saved and one that needs removal — and between a replacement that's straightforward and one that requires extensive bone grafting — often comes down to how quickly the problem is addressed.
Warning Signs Your Implant Is Failing
Some symptoms develop slowly over months. Others signal an acute problem requiring same-day attention. Know the difference.
Some discomfort in the weeks after placement is normal. Pain that develops after healing — or worsens over time — is not normal and warrants evaluation.
A successfully integrated implant should feel like a natural tooth root — completely fixed. Any detectable movement means osseointegration has failed or the implant has fractured.
Visible swelling in the gum tissue surrounding an implant — especially with discharge — indicates active infection (peri-implantitis) requiring urgent treatment.
If the gum line around your implant appears to be pulling back, exposing the metal post, bone loss is likely occurring beneath the surface.
Healthy implant tissue shouldn't bleed with normal brushing or gentle probing. Spontaneous bleeding or bleeding that won't stop is a sign of active infection.
An implant that can't bear normal chewing force without pain or discomfort has likely lost integration with the bone and may need to be evaluated for removal.
An ongoing metallic taste or foul odor that can't be resolved with normal oral hygiene often indicates bacterial infection in the tissue surrounding the implant.
Bone loss around the implant, widening of the gap between implant and bone, or implant fracture visible on imaging — often caught before you feel symptoms.
Why Dental Implants Fail or Break
Understanding the cause of failure matters — it determines whether the same site can be successfully re-implanted and what preparation is needed beforehand.
The Implant Removal Process
Implant removal is a surgical procedure, but it's typically less complex than the original placement — especially when addressed before extensive bone loss has occurred.
A cone beam CT (CBCT) scan or detailed X-rays map the implant's exact position, surrounding bone volume and density, proximity to nerves and sinuses, and the extent of any infection or bone loss. This imaging guides the surgical plan and determines whether bone grafting will be needed at the time of removal.
Local anesthesia ensures the procedure is completely painless. Sedation options — nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation — are available for patients with anxiety or for more complex removals. Dr. Naderi discusses the appropriate option based on your medical history and the complexity of the case.
For a failed implant with little remaining osseointegration, removal is often straightforward — a reverse-torque technique unscrews the implant from the bone with minimal trauma. For a well-integrated implant that must be removed despite being stable (due to fracture or infection), a trephine drill or piezoelectric device carefully separates the implant from surrounding bone while preserving as much bone volume as possible.
When infection (peri-implantitis) is the cause of failure, the socket is thoroughly debrided after removal — all infected granulation tissue is removed, the bone surface is cleaned, and the area is irrigated with antiseptic solution. This step is critical to eliminating the bacterial load before any grafting or closure is performed.
If significant bone loss has occurred, socket preservation grafting is often performed at the time of removal to maintain bone volume for future re-implantation. Graft material fills the void left by the implant and lost bone, preventing the collapse that would make future placement more difficult or impossible without major reconstruction.
The site is sutured closed. You receive post-operative instructions, prescription medications (antibiotics and pain management as needed), and a detailed timeline for healing and eventual re-implantation. Most patients return for a follow-up within 1–2 weeks to assess healing.
🕐 How long does implant removal take? Most straightforward removals take 30–60 minutes. Complex cases involving fractured implants, significant infection, or simultaneous bone grafting may take 90 minutes or more. The procedure is performed in-office at Best Dental — no hospital visit required in the vast majority of cases.
Recovery After Implant Removal
Recovery from implant removal is similar to a tooth extraction — most patients manage well with over-the-counter pain relief and standard post-op care.
Apply ice packs 20 minutes on, 20 off for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort
Stick to soft foods for the first 3–5 days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or very hot foods near the surgical site
Take prescribed antibiotics for the full course. Use pain relievers as directed — don't wait until pain is severe
Both create suction that can dislodge the blood clot. Smoking also dramatically impairs healing — avoid for at least 72 hours, ideally longer
Resume brushing the day after surgery but avoid the surgical site directly. Rinse gently with salt water after meals starting 24 hours post-op
Return in 1–2 weeks for suture removal and healing assessment. Don't skip this — early detection of complications matters
Replacing the Implant After Removal
Implant failure doesn't mean you can't have an implant again. Most patients are candidates for re-implantation — with proper preparation and timing.
The site must fully heal before a new implant can be placed — typically 3–6 months after removal, or longer if significant infection was present or bone grafting was performed. During this time, a temporary solution keeps the gap filled so you're not without a tooth.
🦴 What about bone loss? Every month an implant site is left without grafting or a replacement, bone continues to resorb. This is why socket preservation at the time of removal — and timely replacement — matters so much. A site that could support a new implant at 3 months may require significant reconstruction at 12 months. Dr. Naderi builds the re-implantation plan at the same appointment as removal, so nothing is left to chance.
Don't wait. Dr. Naderi at Best Dental in Richmond, TX evaluates failing implants, explains your options clearly, and provides a complete treatment plan — from removal through replacement. Learn about our implant services. Same-week appointments available for urgent cases.
