Dental Implant Restoration Port St. Lucie, FL
Dental implants can last decades, but may require maintenance and repair. An implant restoration returns a loose or damaged implant to its original form and function. It is far more common to need restoration than many patients anticipate.
Dental implant restoration is available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding area . Our dedicated team can answer your questions and provide useful information on the process and choose the right treatment form. Call us at (772) 242-4124 to receive more information and schedule a consultation time.
Dental Implant Restoration Basics
Though dental implants are generally successful, there are occasional instances where restoration or replacement is necessary. Fortunately, a failed implant is easy to remove, and the procedure is relatively common for dentists to perform. If the dentist decides that the implant needs replacement, they will remove it and carefully clean the area. As a result, there will be no bone loss around the implant site if there is no need for a bone graft procedure.
However, if there is bone loss, the dentist may use a bone graft to make the implant restoration process possible. However, it may take several months for the bone to heal before a new implant can be inserted. The dentist may discuss ways to mitigate the risk factors that led to the initial implant failure during the healing process. These preventive measures may include quitting smoking, using mouthguards, and more.
“While the success of the implant process relies on several factors, certain actions and health conditions can increase the risk of implant failure.”
Replacing Dental Implants
Restoring dental implants consists of two treatment stages: the implant placement and the restorative stage. The implant placement stage can be a one- or two-stage process depending on the approach. In any case, the dentist will place the implant inside the jaw and cover the implant post with a cover screw to prevent bone in-growth. They will then cover both the implant and cover-screw with gingival tissue. The bone will need to heal around the implant for about three to six months, depending on the quality and quantity of the bone. Throughout healing, the bone will fuse or bond with the implant in a process known as osseointegration.
Once the oral tissues have healed fully, the restoration process can begin. For single-implant restorations, the dentist can choose between the screw-retained crown or cement-retained crown, depending on the patient's preferences and the implant's position. The screw-retained crown has a screw access hole that fits over the abutment, featuring an anti-rotation feature to lower the chances of screw loosening. The main advantage of this option is retrievability in case of loosening or fracture and the easy examination of the implant and gums. It also allows the dentist to remove the crown without causing damages.
The other option is the cement-retained crown. Using dental cement, the dentist will fix the crown directly to a custom abutment connected to the implant. Patients with aesthetic concerns will benefit from this option because it assures the most cosmetic appeal. However, the restoration cannot be removed without causing damages to the crown. There is also a concern for residual cement, which may become a medium for bacteria colonies.
“Though dental implants are generally successful, there are occasional instances where restoration or replacement is necessary.”
The Causes of Implant Failure
While the success of the implant process relies on several factors, certain actions and health conditions can increase the risk of implant failure. For example, bruxism and gum disease may harm a healing implant, while conditions such as osteoporosis may make the bone too weak to support or anchor the implant screw. Furthermore, according to the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, radiation therapy (especially to the head and neck) from ongoing cancer treatment can inhibit the bones' healing ability.
Additionally, for dental implants to work, there must be enough bone mass to hold the implants securely. If there is inadequate or insufficient bone mass, the dentist may suggest bone augmentation or bone grafting. The oral cavity, especially the teeth and the supporting tissues, must also be healthy for the implants to hold up.
Depending on the location of the implant, smoking can also cause implant failure. The dentist may recommend quitting smoking totally or until the treatment ends. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, may also influence the rate of bone metabolism and affect the osseointegration process negatively.
“Restoring dental implants consists of two treatment stages: the implant placement and the restorative stage.”
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Dental Implant Restoration Aftercare Instructions
Due to the invasive nature of dental implant restoration, patients may experience some swelling or sensitivity at the operation site. While this is normal, proper oral care is vital to prevent infection and irritation. The dentist may suggest getting painkillers to alleviate swelling and discomfort. Ice packs or cold compresses can also work.
Patients should take some time off work after the procedure for recovery. The oral cavity will feel normal within two to five days. However, if sensitivity and pain persist for too long, an appointment with the doctor may be in order. After completing the restoration procedure, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and regularly visit the dentist for checkups.
“…proper oral care is vital to prevent infection and irritation.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What do I do if my implant feels loose?
Q. What are some of the causes of dental implant failure?
Q. Is dental implant restoration common?
Q. What is it like to get dental implants restored?
Q. How should I take care of myself after dental implant restoration?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during the implant placement surgery?
Q. When should people seek an implant dentist?
Q. When would I need a dental restoration?
Lose and Fractured Implants
If the crown is loose or broken or the abutment that joins it to the implant is loose, it is more likely to be an easy fix. However, If the actual implant post is loose or fractured, things get more complicated. A broken implant post must be taken out and replaced with a new one. The same goes for a loose implant post, but there are cases where the crown may be reused on the new implant. If you have had bone loss, you may need bone grafting and time to heal before receiving the new implant.
No matter what the cause, treat a loose implant as a dental emergency. A loose implant can lead to bone loss and infection, and any type of damage can worsen if ignored. Call our team right away if an implant becomes loose or damaged.
“No matter what the cause, treat a loose implant as a dental emergency.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is dental implant restoration painful?
A. When you come to the office, the dentist will discuss pain management options with you. Afterward, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain. The pain with dental implant restoration is usually minimal if you follow the dentist's instructions.
Q. What happens if damages occur to the implant restoration?
A. The repair procedure depends on the part of the implant that needs repair. If the dental crown suffers damage, the dentist can replace or repair it without touching the titanium implant. If the problem is with the actual implant, the dentist may need to remove the implant and perform a bone graft procedure. It will be impossible to replace a loose implant if the dentist does not correct the issue with the jawbone.
Q. Will other implants fail due to one loose implant?
A. Dental implants have a success rate of more than 95%, which means the chances of failure are low. It is rare for one implant to fail, and even if it does, the others should remain intact. As a precaution, if an injury caused the failure of one implant, you should have the entire teeth checked to ensure nothing else is damaged.
Q. Can I still get dental implants if my tooth went missing a long time ago?
A. Usually, the longer you go without replacing a lost tooth, the lesser your chances of getting dental implants due to loss of bone density. However, this is not a deal-breaker. The dentist may augment the bone or suggest mini dental implants for the tooth restoration process.
Q. How long will my dental implant restoration last?
A. With the proper care, dental implant restorations can last decades. Most patients will not experience any issues after restoration.
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Dental Implant Terminology
Call Us Today
Our team offers dental implant restoration to patients who experience complications with artificial teeth supported by implants. If you feel you need a restoration or have concerns with your implant for any reason, give us a call at 772-242-4124 and schedule a time to come in for a consultation.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
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