Implant revision:
we find the cause before removing anything
A loose implant or swollen gums doesn't always mean it has to be removed and placed again. We first work out whether the problem is in the tooth on top, the surrounding gum and bone, or the implant body itself.
- Cause checked with 3D CT
- Saving vs. re-placement compared
- Surgery by Dr. Taehyung Kim & Dr. Hayoung Kim
- New 2-year warranty if re-placed
Is your implant loose
or swollen?
Having already been through surgery once, the idea of treatment again feels heavier. But the same "looseness" can have many causes, and the scope of treatment varies greatly depending on the cause. Whether implant revision surgery is needed is decided after the cause is identified.
It is also called implant re-placement or implant redo.
- The implant feels loose when you chew
- The screw was tightened, but came loose again soon after
- The gum around the implant is swollen and bleeds when you brush
- The gum has receded and the implant metal is starting to show
- The tooth on top has chipped or come off
- Another clinic said it must be removed, and you'd like a second opinion
Before implant revision,
we check which layer has the problem
An implant is not one solid piece: from the top down, it consists of the crown, the abutment and screw, and the body in the bone. Depending on which layer has the problem, we decide whether to replace parts only, treat inflammation, or consider removal.
Pre-revision X-ray from real Blanche Dental revision case 2, published with the patient's consent.
Crown · Abutment · Screw
The tooth on top and the connecting parts. Loose screws, chipped crowns and broken parts occur here.
Surrounding gum and bone
The tissue around the implant. Inflammation may stay in the gum, and when it spreads to the bone it is called peri-implantitis.
Implant body
The part placed in the bone. If the body is not bonded with the bone or is damaged, we consider removal and re-placement.
A loose crown and a loose implant body can feel similar from the outside. So we don't decide by touch alone: we remove the parts to check, and examine the bone with 3D CT as well.
Assessing implant revision by symptom
Below is a general guide. The actual decision is made based on examination results.
Discomfort doesn't automatically mean removal. On the other hand, if you only keep tightening parts, a problem in the bone may be found late. We keep both possibilities open.
Saving the implant or removing it:
how do we decide?
Even with the same problem, the choice depends on how much bone remains, the extent of inflammation and whether the body is bonded with the bone.
Saved by replacing parts
- The body is firmly bonded with the bone
- The problem is limited to the crown, abutment or screw
- The implant type can be identified and matching parts obtained
Saved after treating inflammation
- The body is stable and the inflammation is relatively early
- Bone loss is not severe
- Care and regular check-ups can continue after treatment
Removal and re-placement considered
- The body itself is loose or damaged
- Inflammation keeps returning despite treatment and bone keeps decreasing
- The original position or angle makes care or restoration difficult
What revision can offer
- Because planning starts after the cause is identified, it may help reduce the same problem recurring
- Instead of putting up with an uncomfortable implant, you can regain chewing function
- The scope of treatment can be set to preserve the remaining bone
Burdens and limitations to accept
- After removal, you need to wait for the bone to heal, so treatment may take longer
- If a lot of bone has been lost, a bone graft is needed and conditions may be more difficult than the first time
- If causes such as smoking, diabetes or gum disease remain, the same problem may happen again
Implants placed at other clinics
are welcome too
You can consult with us regardless of where your first surgery was done. However, implant parts differ in shape by company and product, so to replace a screw or abutment we first need to identify which implant was placed. If you have treatment records or an implant card, please bring them. Even without records, the type can be identified from the X-ray and the shape of the implant. If an implant from another clinic is removed and re-placed at Blanche, a new 2-year warranty, including the crown, applies from the day of re-placement.
We check the height and thickness of the bone around the implant with 3D CT.
What we check at the consultation
We check when and which implant was placed We look at how much bone remains around the body We check for swelling, bleeding, pus and gum recession We look for force concentrated on one side or teeth grinding We ask about diabetes, current medications and smoking We ask which matters most to you: pain, looseness or appearance
Implant revision process
Not every case goes through every step. Some end with replacing parts or treating inflammation.
- 01
Assessing the cause
We review records, 3D CT, gums and bite to pin down which layer has the problem.
- 02
Needed treatment · Removal
We first replace parts or treat inflammation, or remove the implant if necessary.
- 03
Healing · Bone graft if needed
We wait for the gum and bone to heal and add a bone graft if bone is insufficient. If conditions allow, the implant is re-placed on the same day it is removed.
- 04
Re-placement
We re-plan the position and angle with 3D CT and place the implant, using a digital guide if needed.
- 05
New restoration and managing the cause
We make a new crown from a scan and adjust the bite and care habits as well.
After re-placement, as with a regular implant, stitches are removed about a week later, a scan is taken 4–6 months later once it has bonded with the bone, and the crown is placed a week after that. If bone and inflammation conditions allow, the implant is re-placed at the same time as removal; otherwise, it is placed after a healing period. The healing period depends on bone condition and is explained at the consultation. For front teeth, a temporary tooth can be fitted on the day of surgery.
3D CT scan to assess the cause 
Re-placement position and angle planned with a digital guide 
Dr. Taehyung Kim and Dr. Hayoung Kim perform the surgery themselves
Swelling, bruising, pain or temporary changes in sensation may occur after surgery, and recovery time and results vary from person to person. If you are very nervous, treatment can be done with IV sedation (conscious sedation) (KRW 400,000 (≈ USD 295), charged separately).
Real Blanche implant revision cases
Panoramic X-rays before and after revision. Drag the photo left and right to compare.
Real Blanche Dental cases, published with the patients' consent. The scope of revision and recovery time vary depending on the cause and bone and gum condition, and swelling, bruising, pain or temporary changes in sensation may occur after surgery.
Implant revision cost
The cost of removing or repairing an existing implant depends on the treatment needed, and we explain it after the examination. A newly placed implant follows Blanche's standard prices.
- A re-placed implant comes with a new 2-year warranty, including the crown, from the day it is placed.
- All fees can be found in the full price list.
If you've received quotes from several clinics, compare whether the scope of treatment is the same before comparing amounts. The cost differs depending on whether removal or a bone graft is included. You're welcome to make the decision at home.
Making a re-placed implant last
The goal of revision doesn't end with placing the implant again; it also means reducing whatever caused the problem in the first place.
- 01
Cleaning around the implant
For areas a toothbrush can't reach, we recommend suitable tools such as interdental brushes or a water flosser.
- 02
Regular check-ups
We regularly check screw tightness, bite and gum condition to catch small changes early.
- 03
Managing bite force
If you grind or clench your teeth, a protective appliance can be considered.
- 04
Smoking and general health
Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can affect gum and bone healing.
Implant warning signs
you shouldn't put up with
Implants have no nerve like natural teeth do, so even as a problem progresses, there may not be much pain. If you notice any of the signs below, don't wait, even if it doesn't hurt; let your dentist know.
- Pus comes from the gum around the implant, or there's an unusual taste
- The same spot bleeds every time you brush
- The gum keeps receding and the metal part is showing
- It clicks or feels loose when you chew
- The screw comes loose again soon after being tightened
- Chewing on the implant side has started to hurt
Dr. Taehyung Kim and Dr. Hayoung Kim
perform the surgery themselves
Blanche implant surgery is performed by Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist, and Dr. Hayoung Kim. The dentist who performs the surgery takes responsibility for the plan you heard at the consultation. Both dentists can treat patients in English.
- Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist · Seoul National University College of Dentistry and School of Dentistry graduate, Master of Dental Science, Seoul National University
- Training at Columbia and UCLA dental hospitals, USA
- Advisor to SBS 'Dr. Oh's Clinic' and the YouTube channel 'Doctor Friends'
- The clinic that placed the most Straumann BLX implants in Gangnam in 2024
- Invited to the 70th anniversary event of the Embassy of Switzerland in Korea
Common questions about implant revision
If my implant is uncomfortable, do I definitely need revision surgery?
My implant feels loose. How can you tell whether it's the body that's loose?
Why does my implant screw keep coming loose?
Does peri-implantitis always mean the implant has to come out?
Do you look at implants placed at other clinics?
Is it okay if I don't have records from the original clinic?
Does implant removal hurt?
Can a new implant be placed right after removal?
Is a bone graft always needed for re-placement?
How long does revision take?
How much does implant revision cost?
Is a re-placed implant covered by a warranty?
Only the crown chipped. Do I need to redo the implant too?
My gum bleeds but doesn't hurt. Is that okay?
Is revision harder if I have diabetes or smoke?
Will I be without a tooth between removal and re-placement?
Can I consult from abroad or outside Seoul?
Reviewed by Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist (Seoul National University School of Dentistry graduate, Master of Dental Science; training at Columbia and UCLA dental hospitals, USA) · Last updated
Blanche Dental Clinic, Nonhyeon Station, Gangnam
A 30-second walk from Exit 4 of Nonhyeon Station, on Gangnam-daero.
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can wait until the cause is clear
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