What Can Be Done To Address Your Dental Implant Problems

dental implants problems sydney toothsome

dental implants problems sydney toothsome

When you are missing teeth, a dental implant is an excellent and evidence-based method of restoring your oral health. When you see a Specialist and expert in dental implants, Dental implant problems  are uncommon. But like any surgery, dental implant problems can happen. There is always an element of risk with any operation, no matter how common place. Let’s take a look at some of the complications with getting a dental implant and what can be done to address them.

 

Loose Dental Implant

The titanium screw implanted into the jaw must adequately fuse with the bone. This process is known as osseointegration and creates a robust and secure bond that keeps the implant in place. The process occurs over weeks to  months after the initial surgery. In some instances, like infection, poor oral hygiene, smoking, this integration does not happen, and the implant can become loose and may need to be removed.

To prevent this problem, our Specialist Periodontist will examine your jaw for bone quality, height and width. This is done at your initial implant consultation and with a CT scan of your jaw. If our Specialist Periodontist decides that there is insufficient bone for the implant, we may recommend a bone graft, or perhaps a sinus lift. At Toothsome, we use quality, evidence-based Straumann Roxolid SLActive dental implants. Your implant surgery may also be done in two stages to ensure proper osseointegration before a crown is placed on the implant. With the proper checks and assessment, sound evidence-based  implant surgery technique Straumann dental implants, ongoing reviews, and good oral hygiene, we can minimise the risk of this dental implant problem.

 

Peri-Implantitis

getting a dental implant dental implants problems sydney toothsome

An infection of the gum and bone around a dental implant is known as peri-implantitis. It can cause loss of bone support around a dental implant due to inflammation of the gums and bone. It is crucial to practice proper aftercare hygiene and to have regular dental check-ups to keep the implant area clean of bacteria.

This type of infection can happen months or even years, after getting a dental implant. Brushing your teeth twice a day and regular flossing are essential elements to sustaining good oral hygiene. If you smoke or have diabetes, you may be at a higher risk for peri-implantitis and should consult with our Specialist Periodontist at Toothsome before the surgery.

Some signs of gum inflammation to look out for include:

  • Gums looking much redder than usual and swollen
  • Abnormal or excessive bleeding at the gumline.
  • Any pus coming out of the implant site – you may not see it, but it will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Overloading

This condition arises when there is too much pressure on the dental implant. It negatively affects the jaw bone supporting the dental implant and can lead to implant problems.

Overloading most often occurs when the crown that fits onto the dental implant is not adjusted properly by your dentist. You may feel like the crown is too high in your mouth or the opposing tooth may feel sore. Clenching and grinding can also contribute to overloading of a dental implant. Some people can also complain of TMJ pain.

If you feel any of these problems may be happening, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Implant Bending or Breaking 

With the technological advancements in the materials, designs, and the surgical procedure itself, it is unlikely that you will have an issue with your dental implant bending or breaking. But accidents do happen, and even titanium has a breaking point.

At Toothsome, we use a Titanium Zirconium alloy dental implant called Straumann Roxolid SLActive. It is the metal of choice for dental implants because of its stable nature, exceptional strength and biocompatibility. But just as your teeth can chip or become damaged in an accident, so too can your dental implant. Excessive teeth grinding can also be a contributing factor to dental implant problems.

Should damage to your implant occur, the abutment, crown or abutment screw are the most likely places for it to happen as it is the weakest part of the implant system. Fortunately, these can be replaced relatively easily without the need to remove and replace the dental implant.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are some potential concerns with getting a dental implant. But the remedies for these issues are relatively simple. It is more about prevention and preparedness to avoid any problems in the first place.

At Toothsome Implants Chatswood, we are adamant about putting the safety and health of our patients first. We only use evidence based techniques and dental implants. Our preferred implant system is Straumann Roxolid SLActive. We welcome new patients without a referral so please feel free to call us today at any of our locations, or via our online form, to set up an appointment to see if a dental implant is right for you.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.