Failing Implants: What are your options?

Dental implants are a revolutionary solution to missing teeth, as they feel and function just like your natural teeth. Periodontal Specialists, as leaders in implant placement, are proud of the fact that our dental implant success rate closely mirrors the success rate overall, as reported in scientific literature, of 98 percent. Our dental implants usually last a lifetime.

If you have missing teeth or are experiencing a dental implant failure, we welcome you to our practice. Thanks to today’s technology and Dr. Veisman’s exceptional expertise, we have treatment options, and we would be happy to discuss them with you. More than anything, we want to restore your smile to full health and beauty.

Osseointegration

The amazing fact that our bodies are able to coexist with both native and foreign materials significantly expands our treatment options as periodontists. We use dental implants that are made of titanium because this artificial material fuses with bone so well that it’s almost impossible to remove. There are those extremely rare times when the biocompatibility of titanium does not prove successful, and the implant fails to fully integrate with the jawbone.

What are failing dental implants?

Much like gum disease, peri-implantitis–a disease of gum and bone tissue surrounding a dental implant—destroys the gum tissue and bone and can eventually cause dental implants to no longer function properly, increasing their risk of failure. A proper evaluation and treatment by Dr. Veisman is necessary so that dental implants and the surrounding hard and soft tissue can be saved and restored.

What causes dental implant failure?

While dental implants are traditionally extremely successful tooth-replacement procedures, failure is possible. Peri-implantitis, which begins with irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue, is the leading cause of implant failure and can lead to the loss of supporting bone and failing dental implants. Peri-implantitis is generally the result of incorrect maintenance and poor oral hygiene habits. Other reasons for dental implant failure are:

• Infection
• Bone loss
• Dental trauma
• Lack of integration with the jawbone

How to treat a failing dental implant

Thankfully, failing implants can be treated and restored. Depending on the level of severity of peri-implantitis or the cause of a failing dental implant, different treatment measures can be taken.

• In minor cases, nothing more than a thorough cleaning of the area is required.
• In the case of damaged bone, we remove the infected gum tissue, clean all areas of disease, and perform a bone grafting procedure to build up bone around the dental implant post. Once fully integrated, this new bone tissue can help re-stabilize the dental implant and save it from failing.
• When more in-depth care is required, Dr. Veisman performs a flap curettage, surgically removing the soft tissue lining which will promote more connective tissue attachment to the tooth, and recontours the bone. Dr. Veisman implements this painless and precise procedure to deliver the highest level of care.

Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure

Contact us immediately if you have any of the following symptoms, as they may be signs of early or late dental implant failure:

• Red, inflamed gum tissue
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Bone loss
• Gum recession
• Deepening periodontal pockets
• Dental implant mobility
• Pain or discomfort

How do I know I’m getting the best care for my failing implants?

You are in good hands with us! Dr. Veisman, our board-certified periodontist, has undergone rigorous advanced training and is experienced in providing superior periodontal and implant care. As a periodontist, Dr. Veisman is specialized in treating problems with both hard and soft tissue, in addition to having advanced knowledge of dental implants, their placement, and the treatment of peri-implantitis.

Dr. Veisman can provide you with more information and help guide you to the most effective dental implant saving treatment option for you. Call us today at Periodontal Specialists Phone Number 866-473-7464 to schedule a consultation!