Dental Implants: Rare Reasons for Repair

One of the most highlighted and valued perks of dental implants is their remarkable success rate. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. But this doesn’t mean they are invincible. Just like your real teeth, your implants can suffer trauma or failure that warrants repairs.

Dental implants consist of two main parts: the titanium implant that is surgically placed under your gums and the implant restoration that sits on top. While dental implant repairs are rare, they typically involve one of these two main parts. Repairing the implant itself can be more complicated and costly, but fixing a crown, bridge or other implant restoration is typically very straightforward and easy.

Problems with the Dental Implant

When the dental implant itself is damaged or failing, there is more cause for concern. Unfortunately, implants do not have any “nerves” to tell you there is a problem. Therefore, you may notice an implant that is loosening or feels different when you bite down. Here are some common reasons that patients may need dental implant repair (or implant replacement):

• Gum Disease

Your implant demands surrounding bone and tissues that are healthy. When gum disease sets in and goes untreated, these supporting tissues become inflamed and infected. Eventually, your dental implant will lose stability.

• Procedure Error

In some cases, the surgical technique of placing your dental implant was poor. Dental implant placement is a highly precise procedure, and an error or miscalculation could lead to failing implants.

• Disregard for Bone or Gum Grafting

Dental implants must be placed in areas where there is enough bone and gum. It is not uncommon for patients to get bone or gum grafting before implants. However, for those who neglect or disregard bone grafting and have implants inserted into thin bone, there is a higher likelihood of repairs.

Problems with Dental Implant Restoration

It is important to realize that while dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, the restoration that attaches on top does have a set lifespan. It is more common to need dental implant repairs that involve the crown, bridge or denture that rest on top of the implant. Reasons that you may need repair to your dental implant restoration include the following:

• Dental Cement Leakage

If too much cement was used to secure your crown to the implant or abutment, you may experience irritation or issues within the surrounding gums. This can be an easy repair.

• Accidental Damage

Just like your natural teeth are subject to accidental trauma, so is your dental implant restoration. Whether it is from an unexpected fall or biting down on something too hard, your prosthetic tooth (crown, bridge, etc) can chip or break and need repair.

• General Wear-and-Tear

Implant restorations won’t last forever. They can suffer normal wear-and-tear over the years. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. A replacement crown can quickly be made to help your dental implant look and feel like new again.

Avoiding Implant Repairs

At the office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we proudly offer a full menu of dental implant repairs, whether it involves the implant itself or the restoration that is attached to the implant. However, we also take the time to carefully educate our patients on ways to avoid implant repairs altogether. We recommend regular dental visits and x-rays to protect and maximize your investment in implant dentistry. Call Dr. Wayne Suway in Marietta to schedule your dental implant repairs.