Implant Restoration
Wausau, WI
 Tooth loss is quite common, affecting up to 80 percent of all adult Americans. When a patient is missing one or more of their permanent adult teeth, they may choose to restore their missing tooth with a dental implant. Dental implants are a fantastic treatment option, giving a long-lasting and attractive dental restoration to the patient.
However, in very rare cases, a dental implant can fail. While the risk of this happening is quite low, typically less than 1 percent of all cases, it is vital that it is addressed promptly to avoid complications. When we encounter a patient who has a failed dental implant, we here at Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry have the knowledge and skill to restore this dental implant, giving you back the ability to smile freely and with confidence.
Understanding the Basics of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a permanent and attractive restoration for a tooth that has been prematurely lost. They are comprised of three main components: the titanium post, the abutment, and the dental crown. The titanium post is surgically placed underneath your gumline, directly into your jawbone. We use titanium because the body does not reject this metal, but instead fuses to it in a process known as osseointegration. This helps to keep the implant strong and durable in your mouth.
The titanium post then attaches to the abutment, which is the connector piece that attaches the post to the final part, the crown. The crown is the part of the implant that resembles a tooth and is often called a restoration.
What Can Cause a Dental Implant to Fail?
Dental implants can fail for many different reasons. They need to be taken care of just like you would take care of a tooth, and failure to do so could lead to complications. Conversely, being overly aggressive in cleaning them can also damage them. Constant exposure to fluctuations in temperature in your mouth can also compromise the implant.
A dental implant may fail because there was not enough bone mass to sustain it, or it did not properly undergo osseointegration. Your gums may recede, either from overbrushing or gum disease, exposing the implant and increasing the chance of an infection at the site. Finally, it may simply become loose and require adjustment.
Restoring a Dental Implant
If you have a dental implant fail, it is important that you call us immediately and do not attempt to fix it yourself. This could damage your implant and your jaw. During your appointment, we may take X-rays to assess the implant. Depending on the cause of the failure, we have several different treatment options we may take to address it.
If the crown failed, we might advise that we change the crown. If it has become loose, we may decide to tighten it. However, if the cause of failure is due to infection or other issues, surgical intervention may be necessary. A bone graft can help lend structure to the jaw and encourage the implant to be a success.
Dental implants are a reliable and durable restoration option for patients who have lost one or more teeth, and if you take good care of yours, you can expect it to last you the rest of your life. If you would like to learn more about dental implants, or you suspect that your implant may be at risk of failure, please give us here at Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry a call today at (715) 848-2435. |
