If you’ve replaced missing teeth with dental implants, there’s a good chance that you’ve already gotten used to the many benefits they offer and want to make every effort to maintain them. That’s completely understandable, since dental implants in Arlington Heights look, feel and function more like your own teeth than any other option. But, as with anything in life, sometimes implants get damaged and need a little extra work. Fortunately, there are several procedures that can repair damaged implants so that you can continue getting many years of enjoyment from them. Keep reading to learn more!
How Are Dental Implants Damaged?
There are two main parts to an implant. First, there’s the implant itself, which is a titanium post that sits in the jaw where a tooth root used to be. Second, there’s the restoration that’s attached to it, which is usually a single dental crown, a bridge or denture.
Either of these two parts might need to be repaired for various reasons. The implant itself may be damaged from the following:
- Gum disease or bone loss – The implant, or titanium post, needs healthy gum tissue and underlying bone to support it and keep it in place, the same way that natural teeth do. If gum disease develops, the tissue can become inflamed and cause the implant to become loose over time.
- Procedure error – In rare cases, an implant surgery may not have been done just right, which can cause the implant to fail.
In some cases, the implant itself is fine, but the restoration attached to it needs work. It may need to be repaired because of the following:
- Dental cement leakage – If too much dental cement was used to cement the crown to the implant, it might leak out and irritate the surrounding gum tissue.
- Wear-and-tear – Just as traditional crowns, dentures or bridges may need to be replaced after years of wear-and-tear, they may also need to be replaced when they’re attached to an implant for many years.
How Can Dental Implants Be Repaired?
Although some cases may require a new implant altogether, a dentist in Arlington Heights can often repair an existing implant. In fact, regular checkups are an important part of implant maintenance because any potential problems can be found and treated as early as possible.
For example, if a dental implant has lost bone mass around it, a bone graft to be done to restore its support. A new crown or bridge can be done to replace a failing one and there are gum therapies for gum disease that may have developed.
Dental implants are widely regarded as the best way to replace missing teeth for a reason: Nothing else offers the same strength and stability that they do. That’s why it’s well worth it to maintain your implants as long as possible. When you take care of them, they take care of you!
About the Author
Dr. Ernie Costello is a general and implant dentist in Arlington Heights who has used implants to restore the smiles of countless patients. He knows how alarmed his patients feel when an implant becomes damaged, but with years of experience and advanced education, he’s able to help them get many additional years of enjoyment from them. If you have any additional questions, he can be reached via his website or at (847) 259-1111.