Repairing Dental Implants

Despite dental implants having a high success rate, an implant is not immune from problems.  An extremely small percentage of implants or teeth made on implants can exhibit problems with the bone or gum.

Most important is prevention from this occurring.  Dental implants must be placed in areas where bone and gum are abundant.  If the area does not have enough bone or gum, a bone or gum graft should be performed.  Bone and gum grafts are ideally done before or during the dental implant surgery.

The most common patients that have problems are those that did not have bone or gum grafts when advised.  Unfortunately, some dentists actually coerce their patients from having these grafts.  Sure, an implant can be placed in thin bone, but the long term consequences are significant.  All implants look and feel great on day one, but how will they stand the test of time?

The most common long term problem you may have is a loss of bone or recession of the gum around the implant itself.  I have successfully treated many “ailing” dental implants by adding bone or gum to the area to correct it.  Sometimes, grafting is not necessary, and just a minor adjustment to the bite will reverse or stop the situation.  Unfortunately, dental implants do not have any “nerves” to tell you there is a problem. 

I suggest regular dental visits, x-rays and checking your bite to maintain your investment for the long-term.

My own success rate with dental implants is 99.6% over the last ten years.

8 thoughts on “Repairing Dental Implants”

  1. I am an 82 yr old Senior citizen in a wheelchair I have only implants for my lower denture. Although they are about 2 yrs old I can’t wear them. They are practically brand new.Is there apossibility that I can send them in to replenish the metal collar and rubber rings. I can’t do any traveling. But the repair seems to be simple’ I live i Klamath Falls Oregon. I am handicapped
    . would you be able to fix my denture What is your price? It would certainly be appreciated

    Reply
    • Unfortunately, you need to see a dentist. You can’t just send it in. Be sure to see a dentist that is familiar with overdenture parts and management.

      Reply
    • I do this routinely. About 35% of my practice is devoted to fixing or redoing implant problems.

      It requires some special tools and A LOT OF PATIENCE. What brand of implant is it?

      Reply
  2. I have 1 implant but due to delay of the tooth to be placed the other teeth have moved little forward causing up and down’s.
    As of doctor i go to suggested me to get my wisdom teeth removed and then push all the teeth back.
    My suggestion was to extract that implant back.
    What would be the best option?

    Reply
  3. I have 7 implants installed about 3 years ago. I had them done in Jeffersonville Indiana. 2 of the crowns have come loose from the abutment. One abutment seems intact and one partially broke off. I’ve been gluing the one with the better remaining abutment back in but it only holds for a day or two due to the glue apparently not really being a permanent type. It is a glass isomer cement powder/liquid system with approx. a 10 minute cure time but 24 hour full cure. My biggest problem is that I now live in Florida and can’t just run back up to Indiana any old time. I went to a local Ocala dentist and was told no dentist will work on/repair other dentists. I’d like to know what glue available to me that would provide a more permanent bond on the tooth with the still good abutment. It’s a front tooth. I’d also like to know if I can be referred to a dentist who is willing to help in the Ocala, Fl. area. The tooth right next the front is the one with the damaged abutment.

    Reply
    • Hello Thomas

      Something sounds very wrong here. My guess is your bite is off and is causing all this problem to occur. You shouldn’t have to do anything at all except live happily without teeth breaking.

      Are your teeth made of plastic acrylic? Loose crowns and abutments are really uncommon.

      I would suggest you find a highly skilled implant dentist in your area that I take over and/or redo your case.

      Stronger/better cement is not the answer. Something is wrong with the design.

      Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
      Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
      Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

      Reply

Leave a Comment