I got all on 4 implants in late September. Last week, 1 of them came out completely. Right away I went to the surgeon that put the implants in. Now he says that my jawbone needs some grafting and I have to wait until the original implant spot heals. Does this sound right or can he just put the implant back in and sew it down until it heals? – Uwe
Uwe – Dr. LaVacca needs to examine your implant and jawbone before a second opinion can be provided. Although the All-On-4 procedure was used to anchor your dentures, it is possible that the implant that came out was incorrectly placed.
The size and length of the implants used can determine how stable they are. If implants are too short, or if they are not strong enough, they can dislodge.
Since jawbone grafting is being recommended, it may be that your jawbone needed to be built up before you received implants. If bone grafting is needed, then a healing period at the original implant site is needed.
All-On-4 Implants Second Opinion
In order to receive a satisfactory and accurate answer to your question, we recommend that you get a second—and if necessary, a third—opinion from experienced implant surgeons or prosthodontists. Just as with the All-On-4 placement, your medical history will be reviewed. The implants and jawbone will be examined, and diagnostic studies will be used to help determine what caused the implant to dislodge.
If you have current, post-operative diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI), bring a copy with you. An implant specialist from whom you receive a second opinion may decide that a new imaging studies are needed.
When an implant fails, the resolution isn’t as simple as immediately replacing it. The cause of failure needs to be determined first to prevent the problem from recurring.
Carefully weigh the options presented to you from each of the specialists you visit for a second opinion, before you choose a provider to correct the issue.
This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
