Dental Implant Restoration
Coronado, CA
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 Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado 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 (619) 354-5136 to receive more information and schedule a consultation time.
An overview of dental implant restoration
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 91% of adults aged 20–64 had dental caries, and 27% had untreated tooth decay that can lead to tooth loss. But tooth decay is not the only factor that can lead to tooth loss; gum disease is another common cause. Also, many people lose teeth to accidents or trauma. By the age of 44, an estimated 69 percent of Americans have lost at least one tooth. Tooth loss is growing, and the need for solutions is growing with it.
One popular and effective solution is dental implants. They offer an alternative to dentures that need to be removed and cleaned. Implants give the patient an option that most closely resembles natural teeth. Though dental implants are made to last for decades, they still need to be maintained, and that is where implant restoration comes in. Dental implant restoration involves restoring the strength, appearance, and function of a dental implant that has become loose, damaged, or experienced another form of complication.
“Tooth loss is growing, and the need for solutions is growing with it.”
When dental implant restoration is necessary
Dental implant restoration involves restoring the strength, appearance, and function of a dental implant that has become loose or damaged. When a patient has an issue with a dental implant, it is best to seek assistance from a professional. Here are some examples of circumstances that prompt the need for dental implant restorations:
- Poor oral hygiene: It is essential to practice a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing several times each day, flossing, using mouthwash, and being mindful of any issues with the mouth.
- Fractured dental implant: If a dental implant is fractured, a dentist will need to remove the broken pieces and replace the implant.
- Loose dental implant: Gum recession, gum disease, and failure of the dental implant to stabilize the jaw are just a few examples of what could cause a loose implant. That is why it is crucial to seek prompt assistance when an implant is loose.
- Worn-down implant. Though dental implants can last decades, they are still prone to damage due to aging or issues such as teeth grinding.
- Cosmetic concerns. Cosmetic issues such as discoloration can be improved through implant restoration as well.
Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics encourages anyone who experiences complications with the stability, function, appearance, or health of their dental implant or the surrounding area to schedule an appointment to learn how implant restoration can help.
“When a patient has an issue with a dental implant, it is best to seek assistance from a professional.”
Overview of the implant restoration procedure
Each restoration procedure is unique. If complications develop with the dental implant and restoration is necessary, the dentist will conduct an oral examination to determine the severity of the issues and the underlying cause. Our team will answer any questions you may have. The dentist may recommend other dental treatments, such as gum disease treatment, bone grafting, and gum grafting.
When replacing a dental implant, the current implant is typically removed and replaced with a screw-retained or cement-retained restoration. These are the two primary types of dental implant restorations. According to FOR.org, complication rates of both are nearly identical at around 3%. A screw-retained restoration provides secure retention and is easy to tighten if it becomes loose, but it may not be as cosmetically pleasing. Many consider cement-retained restorations to be more attractive, but they are often more difficult to adjust if issues with the implant develop. Our team can help you decide which type is best suited to you.
“If complications develop with the dental implant and restoration is necessary, the dentist will conduct an oral examination to determine the severity of the issues and the underlying cause.”
After the procedure
There is typically some discomfort following an implant restoration and aftercare instructions to follow. To speed up recovery and avoid irritation of the affected area, stick to a soft diet of healthy foods and do not consume beverages high in sugar. Patients are often required to make routine follow-up visits as well.
You can take steps to make your dental implants last and reduce the need for implant restoration. Dentists advise you not only avoid certain foods but also tobacco products and smoking. For dental implants, patients should use a low-abrasion toothpaste along with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Special flosses and interdental brushes can make it easier to keep your dental implants clean and the area around them healthy.
“You can take steps to make your dental implants last and reduce the need for implant 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.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Dental Implant Terminology
Abutment
An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.
Bridge
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
Dental Crown
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Endosteal (endosseous)
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal (subperiosteal)
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Periodontal
Literally “around the tooth”
Resorption
Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Transosteal (transosseous)
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.