Implant Complications
When Problems with Implants Occur
Problems with dental implants are occurring at a higher rate. This is due to many co-factors. Implants have been around for many years, as a result, more and more patients have dental implants. Patients are living longer and they often have significant health problems and sometimes medications that can affect the success of dental implants. Implants are also being placed in more and more dental practices and restored by more and more dental labs with varying degrees of experience and expertise.
When a patient has a problem with a dental implant, they are often referred to the periodontist if they want to save the implant. The problems that occur around implants are often Biological (Bone or gum loss or insufficiency around the implant(s), Mechanical (broken screws, loose implant screws, broken abutments, broken bridges), or Problems related to the ability of the patient to adequately clean around their dental implants (reaction to the cement used to cement the crown, bridges that are difficult to clean under.
With care and planning, many of these implant problems or complications can be prevented. However, implant complications can occur when everything has been well planned and completed. We believe dental implant complications occur at the lowest rates when proper planning and proficient dentists, periodontists, surgeons and laboratory technicians are involved along with the patients physician when medical conditions exist.
The options for saving an “ailing” dental implant are improving. We use the Periolase LAPIP protocol along with other techniques to clean the infected dental implant surface. Dr. Moulton has a great deal of knowledge about many implant systems and is looked to as a resource in our area when patients have a problem with their implant(s). When possible, the best way to treat a complication is to prevent it by excellent pre-treatment planning, building up enough healthy bone and tissue to support the implant(s), making sure the patients periodontal disease is controlled and managed to a stable healthy level. The same things that cause a patient to loose teeth can lead to implant bone loss and problems. Consider consulting with Dr. Moulton before you start your implant process if you have any questions or concerns about your current plan/situation.
What to look for- Sore gums and tissue around your implant(s), implants that are hard to clean around, noticing a bad taste or smell when cleaning around your dental implant(s). If your implant tooth or bridge feels loose or wiggles, it is important to be seen ASAP because the longer you leave the problem untreated the more risks you have for larger problems.
Case Study - Implant Complications
The following images show a broken abutment. A dental abutment is typically attached to the implant post and provides support for the crown, bridge, or denture that is affixed to it. A broken abutment, therefore, refers to a situation where this connecting piece has fractured or suffered damage. If you feel a repair or replacement is necessary to ensure the stability and functionality of your dental implant give us a call anytime! We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your implants.
Broken Abutment
The patient came to us with a broken abutment.
Severe Decay
The patient came to us with a broken abutment that had severely decayed.
Failing Dental Implant
The patient came to us with a failing dental implant treated with thread removal and gum grafting.
