2 Problems That May Occur After An Implant Restoration And How To Remedy Them

Dental implants are commonly used to replace permanent teeth that have been lost. Occasionally, a problem arises with an implant and must be corrected in order to ensure that the implant restoration is successful. Here is a bit of information about problems that may occur after an implant restoration and how the issues can be remedied. 

Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum infection that can occur around the site of an implant wound. If the infection becomes severe enough, it can result in implant failure. Thus, it is important to avoid the development of this condition.

Peri-implantitis can originate from several different sources, such as the following:

• Bacterial exposure within the mouth following the surgery
• The trapping of dental cement from the implant crown within the gum tissue around the implant

As peri-implantitis worsens, the infection may spread to the jawbone.

Who is most susceptible to peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is most likely to occur if you have uncontrolled diabetes, smoke or exercise inadequate dental hygiene.

What are the symptoms of peri-implantitis?

Here are some of the symptoms experienced by people who develop peri-implantitis:

• Deep pockets in the gums
• Pus oozing from the gums
• Bleeding gums
• Red gums
• Teeth that appear longer 

Treating Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis can be reversed with treatment. To ensure that the condition does not result in implant failure, your dentist will clean the area thoroughly and apply an antibiotic to kill any existing germs and prevent further infection. In addition, if bone loss has occurred, a bone graft around the implant may be needed. 

Osseointegration Failure

Osseointegration is the term used to describe the integration or connection of the jawbone to the dental implant. The process begins when the implant is placed and is usually complete within a couple of months. However, if osseointegration does not occur properly, the implant remains loose within the bone and consequently fails.

Here are a few reasons why osseointegration may fail:

• Inadequate jawbone density
• A blow to the implant during the healing process
• A broken implant
• An implant that is improperly positioned

Who is most susceptible to osseointegration failure?

Patients who do not have dense, healthy jawbones before an implantation are most susceptible to osseointegration failure. Still, the condition is rare.

What are the symptoms of osseointegration failure?

The symptoms of osseointegration failure include loose or wobbly implants or implants that fall out.

Treating Osseointegration Failure

Once an implant becomes loose within the bone, it fails, and the implant must be replaced. It is best to avoid problems with osseointegration by ensuring that a patient's jawbone is thick and healthy before beginning the implant restoration. Patients with inadequate bone mass may benefit from a bone graft treatment before an implant placement.

For more information about avoiding an implant failure, contact a dental office in your local area.