A dental implant is a titanium or zirconia post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Although implants have a high success rate, situations like infection (peri-implantitis), mechanical failure, or improper positioning sometimes require removal, a procedure known as explantation. The cost for this unexpected procedure is highly variable, depending on the implant’s condition, the surrounding bone, and the complexity of the removal process.
Primary Variables Determining Removal Cost
The most influential factor affecting the price of removal is the degree of osseointegration—how well the implant has fused with the jawbone. An implant that has failed to integrate or is loose due to infection is easier and faster to remove, resulting in a lower cost. Conversely, a fully osseointegrated implant requires a more complex surgical approach to detach it from the bone.
The professional performing the procedure also impacts the fee; specialists like oral surgeons or periodontists typically charge more than a general dentist. Geographic location is another major cost driver, with procedures in major metropolitan areas commanding higher prices. The type of anesthesia required is a significant financial consideration, as local anesthesia is far less expensive than intravenous (IV) sedation.
If the removal involves widespread infection, significant bone loss, or potential nerve damage, the complexity of the case increases the expense dramatically. The cost for the removal procedure alone ranges from approximately $500 for a straightforward, loose implant to over $4,000 for a complicated surgical explantation. Diagnostic imaging, such as a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, also contributes to the initial assessment cost.
The Surgical and Non-Surgical Removal Procedures
The complexity of the removal technique dictates the overall cost, correlating with the necessary equipment, surgical time, and expertise. The least invasive option is non-surgical removal, used when the implant has lost significant bone support or failed to integrate. This method utilizes specialized tools, such as reverse torque wrenches, which unscrew the implant from the jawbone.
This non-surgical approach is quick, conservative, and causes minimal trauma, reducing recovery time. If the implant is firmly integrated, however, a surgical procedure is necessary to break the bone-to-implant connection. The two primary surgical methods are the trephine bur and the osteotomy technique.
Trephine Bur Technique
A trephine bur is a specialized, cylindrical drill that removes a small ring of bone immediately surrounding the implant, allowing the fixture to be extracted intact. This method results in a controlled, permanent bone defect.
Osteotomy Technique
An osteotomy involves using specialized cutting instruments to carefully cut away the bone around the implant. This is a more invasive process that requires more surgical time and carries a higher fee. The choice between these methods is determined by the implant’s location and the quality of the surrounding bone.
Essential Follow-Up and Restorative Costs
The removal fee is only the first part of the total financial picture, as necessary follow-up and restorative procedures accrue subsequent expenses. In nearly all surgical removal cases, the resulting bone defect must be repaired to ensure the site is healthy for future treatment. This often requires bone grafting or socket preservation, which is a significant, separate expense from the removal procedure.
Bone Grafting and Temporary Restoration
The cost of bone grafting varies widely; a simple graft using synthetic material may cost a few hundred dollars, while complex procedures utilizing the patient’s own bone may cost thousands. While the site heals, a patient may require a temporary restoration, such as a removable partial denture (flipper), to maintain appearance and function. The fabrication of a temporary appliance typically costs a few hundred dollars.
Long-Term Planning
Post-operative care is a required expense, including follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove sutures, and take new X-rays or CBCT scans. Planning for the long-term restoration is the final cost consideration. This involves professional fees for designing a replacement implant or an alternative solution, such as a dental bridge.