If your dental implant doesn’t seem to be working, don’t worry.
As soon as possible, you should talk to your dentist to find out what to do next. Taking out an implant that didn’t work and doing a bone graft is a common way to fix it. This method strengthens the jawbone, which makes it possible to put in a new implant once the jawbone has healed. Antibiotics or even laser therapy may be used to treat infections or soft tissue problems that could be causing the failure.
If the problem is that the implant is in the wrong place or isn’t fusing properly with the bone (this is called osseointegration), you may need to get a new implant when the problem is fixed.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants are a good way to replace missing teeth, but there are some reasons why they might not work as planned. Here are some of the most common reasons why implants don’t work:
- Infection or poor osseointegration
- Not enough bone support
- Peri-implantitis (a type of gum disease that happens around the implant)
- Cigarettes
- Poor oral hygiene or existing health issues
- Too much stress on the implant
- Bad way to do surgery
How To Make It Less Likely That An Implant Will Fail
To lower the chance of your dental implant failing and raise the chance of it working for a long time, you need to do a few important things. Some of these are choosing the right people for implants, using good surgical techniques, keeping your mouth clean, and going to the dentist for regular checkups. Patients should also be honest with their dentist about any worries they have and follow the rules for care after surgery very carefully.
How to Fix a Broken Implant
If a dental implant doesn’t work, you need to act quickly to get your mouth back to health and function. The patient’s unique situation and the reason for the failure will determine the different types of therapy that are available. Here are some things you can do to fix an implant that doesn’t work:
- Remove the implant:
If the implant failed because of an infection, peri-implantitis, or poor osseointegration, it may need to be removed. This lets the dentist see the bone and treat the tissues around it so that they can be used in the future. - Bone Grafting:
If there isn’t enough bone to hold up a new implant, a bone transplant may be needed. The patient’s own bone, bone from a donor, or synthetic materials can all be used in this treatment to fix the bone structure. - Gum disease treatment:
If you have gum disease or peri-implantitis, you may need to get rid of plaque, bacteria, and inflamed tissue from your gums. You might need to get deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing or take antibiotics.
After the problem is fixed, a new implant can be put in. This method may be the same as the first, with careful placement of the implant and repair of the bone around it.
- Other Options:
If a new implant isn’t possible, you might be able to get traditional bridges, removable dentures, or prosthetics that are supported by implants instead. These options can help restore beauty and function. - Braces or clear aligners:
Braces or clear aligners may be suggested to fix the problem if the failure has changed how your teeth fit together or how they are aligned.
After treatment, it’s very important to keep your mouth healthy by going to the dentist regularly and brushing and flossing your teeth well. This is necessary for any new implant or restoration to work.
What Does A Dentist Do If An Implant Doesn’t Work?
Your dentist will look at the whole picture to figure out what’s wrong and what to do about it if an implant doesn’t work. This is what they will likely do:
- Check the Implant:
The dentist will look for signs that the implant is failing, such as pain, swelling, or movement. - Radiographic Evaluation:
X-rays or CBCT scans show you the implant and the bone around it clearly so you can check for issues like bone loss or misalignment. - Patient History:
The dentist will go over your medical history, medications, and anything else that might affect how well the implant works. - Check the Bone’s Quality:
The dentist will look at the bone’s quality and density to see if it needs a bone transplant for a new implant. - Functional Assessment:
Your dentist will check how well the implant works when you talk, eat, and bite. They will fix any problems with the mechanics.
Your dentist will also think about what you want and need when making a plan for your care.
To get the best results, it is sometimes best to talk to experts like periodontists or oral surgeons. The dentist will help you figure out what to do next. This could mean taking out the implant, putting in a new one, or looking into other treatment options.
Can You Fix A Broken Implant Without Having Surgery?
You may be able to fix or replace a dental implant without having surgery in some cases. Some choices that don’t involve surgery are:
- Prosthodontic Solutions:
Overdentures that are held in place by other implants or natural teeth can replace an implant that isn’t working without the need for surgery. - Dental Devices:
Partial dentures can fill in the gap left by a broken implant, which can help restore function and appearance without the need for surgery. - Orthodontic Treatment:
Sometimes, orthodontics can help fill in the space left by a failed implant by moving teeth that are close to it and making the overall alignment better. - Periodontal Therapy:
In some cases, non-surgical treatments that make the gums and surrounding tissues healthier may also help.
These options are usually considered for patients who don’t want to have surgery or can’t have surgery.
Possible Risks and How to Reduce Them
Surgery is often needed to fix a broken implant, but it can also cause problems like infection, damage to nerves or blood vessels, or the body not accepting the implant. You can lower these risks by using diagnostic imaging to look at the bone structure before surgery, carefully planning the surgery, and following the right steps to sterilize the tools.
People with diabetes or osteoporosis may take longer to heal, so it’s important to treat these conditions before moving on. After surgery, you need to do what the dentist tells you to do, which includes keeping your mouth clean and going to follow-up appointments. This will help you stay out of trouble.
Getting Help for Implants That Didn’t Work
If your dental implant doesn’t work, don’t worry; there are ways to fix it. At Aesthetic General Dentistry of Frisco, we use the latest tools to find and fix problems with implants, such as bone grafting and special follow-up care. We’re here to help you smile again!
If you need more information or want to set up a meeting, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help you find the best answer for you!