Failed Implant Removal in Lakewood, WA

While dental implants have a remarkably high success rate, occasionally an implant may fail due to infection, poor healing, or mechanical issues. For patients in Lakewood and Tacoma facing this stressful situation, it can feel like your investment in your smile has been lost. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we provide a compassionate and highly skilled approach to Failed Implant Removal. As a specialized Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kim has the surgical expertise to safely remove a compromised implant while preserving as much of your natural jawbone as possible, often creating a path for a successful replacement in the future.

The most common reason for implant failure is a condition called Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone around the implant. If left untreated, the bone supporting the implant dissolves, causing it to become loose or painful. Dr. Kevin Kim uses advanced CBCT 3D Imaging to assess the extent of the bone loss and determine the safest method for removal. Using specialized, minimally invasive tools, he can “reverse-torque” or gently disengage the failed implant from the bone. This precision is vital because it prevents unnecessary damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, which is essential if you hope to have a new implant placed later.

Once the failed implant is removed, the priority shifts to healing and reconstruction. In many cases, Dr. Kim will perform a Bone Graft or Socket Preservation immediately after the removal. This helps “fill in” the area where the bone was lost, preventing further collapse of the jawline and preparing the site for a future, more stable implant. We also utilize Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy, using your body’s own growth factors to accelerate the healing of the gums and bone. For our patients at Dental Health Associates, this specialized care turns a dental setback into a strategic “reset” for their oral health.

Facing an implant failure can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful smile again. Dr. Kevin Kim’s 20+ years of experience in Periodontal Surgery makes him uniquely qualified to handle these high-risk cases. To understand more about why implants fail and how they are treated, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the Mayo Clinic’s guide on dental implant risks. We are here to provide the expert intervention needed to get your dental health back on track.