Dental implants are a highly effective, permanent tooth restoration option compared to dentures and bridges. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone and take the place of the decayed or extracted natural tooth roots.
Some amazing features of implants are they look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. They preserve the jawbone and can last almost a lifetime if you practice good oral hygiene. That is to say, brush and floss daily and see your Toledo family dentist regularly for professional exams and cleanings. Otherwise, you run the risk of needing treatment for gum infection (peri-implantitis) or even dental implant restoration resulting from complications.
Common Types of Dental Implant Problems
Dental implants provide a strong, stable base for the replacement crown and carry a 97 percent success rate. However, they are not immune to damage. In fact, there is a number of problems that may require a trip to your dentist for restorative treatment. Common problems include:
- Infection around the implant: Gum disease may occur due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, or an auto-immune disease.
- Implant micro-movements: Implant shifts or becomes unstable.
- Cracked or damaged crown: Due to tooth injury or trauma.
- Loose crown: The screws or abutments used to secure the crown become loose.
- Loose implant: Insufficient jawbone, not enough implant posts, and teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause implants to come loose during healing or after surgery.
- Allergic reaction: Some patients develop an allergic reaction to the titanium used to make the implant post.
What Does Dental Implant Restoration Involve?
Dental implant restoration is a procedure reserved for patients who are having certain problems with their implants. The dentist will tailor the restorative treatment based on the portion of the implants that needs repair. For example, a minor crack or chip can be repaired without removing the crown.
Similarly, a severely cracked or damaged crown can easily be replaced without surgery. The dentist can tighten loose crown screws or replace a broken connector rod (abutment) if necessary.
If you need a replacement crown, the dentist will send impressions of your teeth to the lab for the technicians to create a new one. The new crown is then mounted and secured using abutments and screws or a bonding cement.
In the case of a loose implant caused by trauma or peri-implantitis, the implant post may need to be surgically removed (under anesthesia) and replaced. Bone grafting may be necessary if the implant post came loose due to insufficient bone. Once the treated area heals, a new implant and crown are put in place.
The end goal of dental implant restoration is to ensure you have a natural, beautiful smile and teeth that function properly.
Get In Touch with Light Touch Dental Care Today
If you're having problems with your dental implant, call 419-866-4271 to schedule an appointment at Light Touch Dental Care in Toledo, TX. Your family dentist, Dr. Natalie Nechvatal, will examine the troubled tooth and decide if dental implant restoration is the best option available. We also work closely with implant specialists who can completely replace the troubled or failed implant.
Sources
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry: What Are Dental Implants? https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/what-are-dental-implants
- Colgate: Common Dental Implant Problems and How to Treat Them: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/implants/common-dental-implant-problems-and-treatment
- Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science: Long-Term Implant Success at the Academy for Oral Implantology: 8-Year Follow-Up and Risk Factor Analysis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4050226/?_ga=2.161240189.1952211150.1596719034-533371847.1591737409
