While dental implants typically have a high success rate, there is always a chance an issue might arise. One problem dental professionals see is a loose dental implant. This condition can occur when the implant never fully fuses to the jawbone. When the fusing process is not completed at the time of crown or denture attachment, the implant can loosen up over time. Also, because a strong, healthy jawbone is necessary for a stable implant, bone loss in the jaw can cause an implant to become loose. In either case, a replacement implant may be necessary.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to replace an implant. The dental implant restoration process can take a prolonged period of time and up to four steps:
The healing time required between each step can be extensive, especially for patients who require a bone graft. Because of the time and investment necessary to replace a loose implant, it is crucial to have the entire mouth thoroughly examined before beginning the process. An issue with the gums or another tooth can lead to bone deterioration and implant trouble.
Many times a crown can be easily restored without affecting the implant. For others, the implant must be entirely replaced.
Damage such as a small chip or crack can often be repaired without having to remove the crown from the implant. This is the least invasive and quickest type of implant restoration. It can typically be performed in a single office visit, often without the need for any numbing agents.
If a crown has completely fallen out, it could be due to injury or abutment breakage. If the replacement tooth has not been lost, bring it to the dental appointment. In some cases, biting into hard food like ice or candy can cause injury to the crown. For others, a crown may fall out when an abutment is damaged. Because the abutment connecting the implant to the crown is thin, anything from head trauma to normal wear and tear can result in damage. Anytime the abutment is compromised, the entire crown typically needs to be replaced.
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Despite the high success rate implants typically achieve, dental implant restoration may still be necessary. While a chipped or cracked crown may be a quick fix, a broken abutment can mean getting a completely new crown. A loose implant is usually the most complicated issue to restore and can involve replacing the entire implant.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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