If you’ve experienced damage to your implants, don’t panic. In most cases, it’s possible to restore a dental implant that has become damaged. Many patients are concerned about the potential cost involved. In some cases, they may opt not to get their damaged implants replaced as a result. However, wearing damaged implants can result in additional damage and health risks. We’ve provided an introduction to some of the implant restoration options available and how they can help.
Types Of Dental Implant Damage And How They Can Be Repaired
Dental implants are resilient and capable of lasting for decades. Despite this, there are several ways in which they can become damaged. Improper oral hygiene and failure to keep up with regular dental visits are two common causes. Trauma involving the structures of the mouth is also a common cause.
Loose dental implant
Dental implant procedures have a significantly high success rate, but problems can occur. One commonly seen issue is a dental implant that has become loose. The most common cause is a failure of the implant to fuse with the jawbone. When the implant has been in place for a while, loosening may indicate that bone loss has occurred. The usual correction for this is a replacement implant.
Getting a replacement implant may involve the following steps:
- Surgical removal of the original implant
- Bone grafts to replace missing tissue
- Surgical implant of new restorations
- Attachment of dental replacements
The time required to heal is similar to that of the original procedure. This fact is especially true when a bone graft is required to complete the replacement. Before receiving a replacement implant, a full exam of the oral cavity is necessary. Any existing concerns with other teeth, gums, or the jawbone can cause future issues.
- Cracked or missing crowns – Physical trauma to the tooth can often lead to it becoming cracked or even breaking out entirely. Often your dentist can correct this kind of problem without the need to replace the implant.
- Repairing the crown – The cracks or chips that occur due to trauma can typically be repaired without replacing the implant. This form of implant restoration is the quickest and least invasive. Often your dentist can do it in just one visit to the office. There rarely is a need for anesthetics of any kind.
- Crown Replacement – In your case, you may discover that your crown replacement has completely fallen out. This looseness typically happens because the abutment, or mounting point, has broken. This problem can occur due to eating hard foods like candy, ice, or hard candy. If the abutment gets damaged, it will need to be replaced. That process is touched on above.
Contact Your Dentist If You’ve Experienced Implant Damage
While the implantation process has a high level of success, restoration may still end up being necessary. Fixing a cracked or chipped tooth can happen quickly while replacing a full implant can take a bit of time. If you’re troubled by the health of your dental implant, it’s time to reach out to your dentist for an exam.
