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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

My dental implant failed again

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I couldn’t be more frustrated that I am now. Last March (2014) I got 3 dental implants. In September of last year I had problems with one of them. The oral surgeon tried to save it but could not so it was extracted. We gave it 6 months and replaced it, but the same implant had to be removed 3 months ago. Now we are playing watch and wait but I am not sure why. Can I just go ahead and ask that the missing tooth be replaced with a dental bridge or should I continue to wait and see if I can get another implant? How long would I normally have to wait before the surgeon can tell if another implant will work? Mark H.

Mark – Your question can only be answered by getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. Do you know why the implant failed? Was the failure due to the implant fixture, improper surgical placement, or some other reason?

An experienced implant dentist will examine your dental records, implant site, diagnostic studies, and medical history to determine the cause of the implant failure and whether or not it can be prevented in the future.

If you have healthy teeth on either side of the missing one, they can be prepared to accommodate a dental bridge. Keep in mind that the teeth that hold the dental bridge will need to be shaved down so that dental crowns can fit over them.

First, find out if there is good probability for you to receive a new, successful dental implant. Weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision on which treatment option you prefer.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My dentist told me to back off of booze so I won’t need dental implants

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My dentist told me to back off of booze. I have some perio issues with loose teeth and she said that my drinking habits can be a contributing factor. Yes she told, not asked me to cut back on booze. I was almost going to be insulted but I figured if she is right, she is saving me money on dentures or dental implants. Then the thought occurred to me that she might have just been getting to try me to stop drinking so much because a few times she asked me if she smelled alcohol on my breath. Does alcohol have anything to do with gum disease? Thanks. Ron

 

Ron – Your dentist is looking out for your best interests. A recent (September 2015) article in the Journal of Periodontology Online, Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines, reports the findings in a study that included non-drinkers, occasional drinkers, and regular drinkers.

Among regular drinkers, there were more instances of sensitive gums that bleed easily, and the need for periodontal (gum) disease care. Another symptom of periodontal disease is that gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets between the gums and teeth. Even regular drinkers without periodontal disease exhibited deeper pockets than occasional drinkers and non-drinkers.

Why the difference between regular drinkers and occasional or non-drinkers? Alcohol consumption dries the mouth. A dry mouth contributes to plaque buildup, which inflames the gum tissue. Sensitive, inflamed gums bleed, and if left untreated, can separate from the teeth and in time result in full-blown gum disease.

If gums don’t properly adhere to your teeth, the teeth lack support and can loosen. Left untreated, loose teeth will eventually fall out, and yes, some form of tooth replacement, perhaps dental implants, will be recommended.

If you are a regular alcohol drinker, your dentist’s recommendation is correct. Consuming less alcohol can improve the situation.

It’s important for all patients to speak openly about their drinking habits with their dentist. This will help your dentist correctly advise you and assist you with preventive dental care and help you avoid the need for tooth replacement.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My dental implants itch. Will they fail?

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I got dental implants several days ago and they itch. It feels like the itching is between the implant and my gums. This isn’t something that the surgeon said I should expect. Does this mean that the implants might fail? – Gabriel T.

Gabriel – Itching is most likely a side effect of the pain medication. If the itching is severe, contact your oral surgeon. He or she may recommend reducing the dose of pain medication. If you also have a rash, you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction to the medication. Additionally, smoking after implant surgery and before the surgical site is healed, may cause itching and irritation.

Some swelling and pain is normal after the implant surgery. Itching can be part of the healing process. If the itching is accompanied by unusual pain, swelling, or bleeding, an infection may be developing. Contact your implant dentist right way to report your symptoms. He or she will determine if an immediate examination is necessary. If there is a problem that can compromise the healing of the implants, prompt action may help prevent dental implant failure.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

When is a sinus lift needed to receive dental implants?

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I went to 2 implant dentists and both of them said that I need a sinus lift. I didn’t anticipate this. I have 3 missing upper teeth. They explained the whole thing to me. I just want to be sure that I was not misinformed. So my question is: When is a sinus lift necessary to receive dental implants? Thank you. Daneen

 

Daneen – When teeth are missing, your body resorbs your jawbone. When upper molar teeth are missing, in addition to jawbone resorption, your sinus cavity expands, leaving inadequate bone density for dental implants.

A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, adds bone below the sinuses so that dental implants can be placed and properly supported. The bone can take four to twelve months to heal. After it’s completely healed, your dental implants can be placed. A sinus lift helps to ensure the success of your dental implants.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Do dental implants break easily?

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I got my braces removed last month. Now that my teeth are straight, I am ready for a dental implant. I have a tooth that has been missing my entire life. It just never grew in. I know implants are not cheap but I am willing to make the investment. I would like to know how durable they are though. Do they break easily? – Diana

Diana – Dental implants are very durable. They are made of either titanium or zirconia. Although they do not break easily, they should be treated with care, just as you would care for a natural tooth.

Hard objects should not be bitten with an implant tooth. Nor should you use the tooth to open anything that requires force.

When dental implants are properly placed, they withstand normal day-to-day wear.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek