Failing Dental Implants

My implants are failing …. what do I do now!

Imagine having undergone several surgical procedures and spent a considerable amount of money, only to be told that your dental implants are failing! If this is happening to you, we can completely understand your disappointment, anxiety and confusion about what to do next.

At Restore32, York, we have experienced clinicians and specialists who have the skills, patience and empathy to help you through this difficult time. We will always be honest and transparent in our advice and recommendations and will guide you through your treatment options.

Why do implants fail?

Though implants have an excellent success rate, a small number of implants (approx. 5-7%) can fail due to a variety of reasons, some of which are listed below:

• An infection around the implant site
• Failure of the implant to knit into your bone
• Failure of some of the components within your implant crowns / bridgework (e.g. screw fracture, etc.)
• Gum disease around the implant (known as Peri-implantitis)

What can be done?

Treatment can be challenging and a successful outcome is not guaranteed. However, following a detailed assessment, which may involve further CT scans, etc. We will present you with an honest appraisal of what can be done. This may vary from a deep cleaning around the implant to removal and replacement of the implant in some cases. You may need to have your crowns / bridges removed in order to examine and treat the failing implant. Having to reverting to a temporary denture is not uncommon.

Management of failing implants and peri-implantitis is a rapidly developing area within implant dentistry and some of the treatment strategies are as follows:

• Surgical deep cleaning around the implant, sometimes accompanied by bone grafting procedures
• Disinfection of the failing implant site with lasers.
• Removal of the implant, allowing time for healing and considering a new implant (if possible).