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Second Opinion

Dec 09

Will I have to keep replacing my dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Second Opinion

In 2012 I lost 3 teeth to gum disease. I had several deep cleanings and was able to have the teeth replaced with dental implants in early 2013. By the summer, my dental implants started to get loose. My dentist kept doing the deep cleanings but my June of 2014 all of the implants were lost. My dentist replaced the implants in 2015 but over the past 2 months I have noticed some loosening again. So am I going to have to get new implants every other year just because I have gum disease? If so, I just want to forget about this. The surgery, recovery, and healing periods take so long that just about when it’s done it’s time to get new implants again. Do I have other options, but not a partial denture? Elaine

Elaine,

Your experience is alarming. We understand that it must be frustrating. You’re battling with gum disease, lost three teeth, as well as the implants that replaced them. You have advanced periodontal disease, that hasn’t been properly treating. The deep cleanings are clearly not enough. There are other ways to improve your the health of your gums that your dentist isn’t using, and perhaps is not aware of. We can’t say that your dentist is negligent, but you need the attention of a specialist.

You should have been referred a periodontist—a specialist in the treatment of gum disease. Periodontal disease must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. If your gums and bone can’t support your natural teeth, neither can they support dental implants

We recommend that you visit a prosthodontist for a second opinion, or ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist will help you recover from gum disease. You shouldn’t receive new dental implants until the issue is addressed, and don’t allow anyone to try to convince you otherwise.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 28

1 of my all on 4 implants is loose

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Second Opinion

I got all on 4 implants last October. 1 of the implants is loose. I know it because I feel the movement around it that I didn’t feel before. Is the All on 4 going to fail? Kyle

Kyle – A loose All-On-4 implant doesn’t necessarily mean implant failure, but you do need to notify your implant dentist of the problem right away.

There can be several causes of a loose implant. Some possible causes are listed below:

  1. Infection – Infection in the surround gum tissue or bone can cause implants to loosen.
  2. Failure of bone to fuse the implant (osseointegration) – If this fusion does not occur, dental implants will become lose. The implant can be removed, repositioned, if necessary, and replaced. Before it is replaced, your jawbone density will be reassessed to ensure proper placement. There are several things that can cause an implant not to fuse. A skilled implant dentist can identify the cause.
  3. Insufficient implants – In some cases, the load on the four implants is too heavy, putting the implants under stress. Additional implants may be needed to support your restoration.
  4. Improper hygiene – Poor oral hygiene, as well as smoking can delay or interfere with the healing process. Patients must be diligent about oral hygiene and avoid smoking during the entire healing process.

An examination is required to determine the cause of the loose implant. You can consider receiving a second opinion on the cause of the loose implant and what needs to be done to correct it. If you choose to seek a second opinion, find a skilled implant dentist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training specific to the replacement and restoration of teeth. An experienced prosthodontist has placed many types of dental implants and will be able to discuss a variety of options for you.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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