Repair or Replace
Dental implants are an amazing tool to replace missing teeth, and just like teeth they may sometimes become sick or damaged. The most common reason for this, is periodontal disease around an implant, which is called peri-implantitis.
The best way to prevent this from happening to your implant is to brush your teeth and implants for two minutes, twice a day and floss them for one minute, daily. Additionally, regular visits to your dentist or periodontist for professional maintenance appointments and exams can also help keep your implant healthy.
What To Expect
How can we help treat your peri-implantitis
The first step in treatment is surgically cleaning your implant and applying medicaments to remove any harmful bacteria that may be causing inflammation. If caught early this may be the only treatment required to keep your implant stable. In instances where there is significant bone loss around your implant, we may try and regenerate the lost tissue using a bone graft and a membrane to encourage natural healing and regrowth.
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Do Implants ever need to be replaced?
If your implant has suffered catastrophic bone loss, or is fractured it may not be possible to save it. In this scenario the best course of action is remove the implant entirely. Once your body heals completely it may be possible to place another implant, however, this depends on your specific case. Additional bone graft procedures may also be needed to prepare the site for future implant placement. If your implant needs to be removed we will work with you to determine the best and most predictable treatment plan.
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Why do Implants need to be replaced?
An implant may become unstable and require removal a few months after placement. This may be due to an allergy, early infection, and excessive micro movements or bite strain. In these instances the implant fails to bond to the jaw bone, so it is easy to remove.
Implant failure after the implant has been restored and is in function is rarer. Periimplantitis as a result of poor oral hygiene is the most common reason for implant failure. Fortunately, if caught soon enough, it may be possible to save the implant by removing the infection.