Will Removing a Dental Implant Cause a Change in Facial Appearance?

Isabella asks:

Hello, I had a botched root canal and my tooth had to be removed several years ago. I had a titanium implant about 4 years ago and a crown put on by a different dentist. But ever since then, I have had pain at the site of the extraction. I would like the implant taken out but several dentists I have spoken to have warned me that if I removed the implant it would be disfiguring to my face. Is this true? I am at the end of my rope with this. Could you kindly advise me about whether removing a titanium implant that has been in place for several years is disfiguring? Thanks.

Answered by: Dr. Steven M. Moss

Rutherford, NJ

Hi Isabella

It's very common to go down the path of failed root canal, extraction, and then implant placement. To have persistent pain at the site however is unusual, though there are some situations where this may occur.

I think your first step might be to have a thorough clinical and radiographic examination to be sure the pain relates to the implant site and not from another source.

Following that, if the recommendation is indeed to remove the implant, in most cases that can be done fairly easily with a trephine, which is a special drill that fits around the implant. The site would likely then require a bone graft, and then a replacement implant and crown can be placed should you desire. Not to worry, though, if done by qualified professionals, there should be no significant or noticeable change to your facial appearance after removing the implant.