Dental Implant Problems and Treatment
Expert Treatment for Dental Implant Complications
We will sometimes see patients who received Implants in the past and are now having problems with them. Although the vast majority of implant placements are successful, a very small percentage of them develop complications that need special treatment or replacement with a new implant.
Experienced implant care specialist
Dr. Setya is a highly trained and experienced specialist in the placement and care of dental implants, including the diagnosis and treatment of implant complications. He uses advanced-technology diagnostic tools to determine the exact problem with a failing implant, and delivers the treatments that will be most effective to restore the implant to a stable and healthy state.
In rare instances where the implant has completely failed and cannot be saved, Dr. Setya can place a new implant. In this case he will explain the treatment needed to do so and will answer all your questions.
Signs of implant problems
The following situations are evidence that the implant has developed complications and that a full examination of the implant is needed:
- when brushing, the gums around the implant bleed at the gum line
- the gums around the implant are bluish-purple or red ( evidence of inflammation)
- the gums have swollen around the implant
- the area around the implant is painful or sensitive
- pus is coming from the gums or the implant site
- the implant is loose
- you can see the threads of the implant
Swolen or painful gums can be a sign of a problem with your dental implant.
What causes implant problems
The main causes of implant complications are poor original placement of the implant or crown, the implant has not integrated with the surrounding bone, or the implant has become infected.
Implant placement failure
Implants placed in the wrong position or where there is inadequate bone support can become unstable. Normal biting and chewing forces on a wrongly placed implant can cause the implant to become loose or even fall out. Unstable implants are also more susceptible to infection.
In rare instances the implant is placed in a good position but the bone fails to fuse to the implant and anchor it firmly in the jaw. This is another source of instability and has the same consequences as a wrongly positioned implant.
Implant infection
Most infection around an implant is a special category of gum disease known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis has set in when there is infection of the gums combined with bone loss around the implant.
Peri-implantitis can be the result of a number of different factors, including smoking, poor oral hygiene, health problems such as diabetes, a compromised immune system, and dental crown cement leaking under the gum line. It can also more rarely be the result of undue pressure being put on the implant due to bite misalignment, an allergic reaction to the implant or the implant being rejected by the body.
If left untreated, the progressive bone loss and infection can cause the implant to fail.
Restoration placed too soon
Sometimes final restorations such as crowns, bridges or dentures, are immediately loaded onto the implants at the time of implant placement. When the implant is stable enough to handle this, immediate placement of the final restoration saves time and money and there is no problem. But if the restoration is placed before the implant is stable enough to easily handle the added pressure from chewing and biting, the implant can become further destabilized and can fail.
New Patient Special Offer
Exam, X-Rays, CT Scan (as needed) and Consultation
DONATE $89 TO CHARITY
and receive your exam and x-rays at no additional charge.
Receive a thorough examination and friendly, informative consultation. Your appointment will include the following:
- Comprehensive oral examination
- Digital X-rays
- CT Scan (if needed)
- Written treatment plan