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Archives for February 2022

How Can I Put My Dental Implant Back in Place?

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I have three teeth implants. One of them just came out. Is there a way for me to get it back in place and make it stay in at least temporarily? I have a tight deadline and travel plans next week. I don’t know that I will be able to get to the dentist before then. Thank you. R. Turner

Dear R. Turner,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Put a Dental Implant Back in Place?

Dental implant with parts highlighted - crown, abutment, and implant screwIf your dental implant falls out, you cannot put it back in place. Please do not attempt to do so because it can damage the implant site. An implant dentist, surgeon, or periodontist placed your implant in your jawbone. If it fell out, you need an examination and x-ray to check your gum and bone health and why the implant fell out. Please do not expect the replacement to occur in one day.

What Happens If an Implant Falls Out?

If an implant falls out, an oral surgeon or periodontist will do the following:

  • Inspect the implant for defects and assess its quality
  • Complete an oral exam of your mouth, the implant site, and surrounding tissue
  • Take a 3-D x-ray to examine your bone tissue and gums
  • Look for signs of disease
  • Determine the condition of the tooth socket and whether you require a bone graft in it
  • Use the 3-D x-ray to identify the best location for a replacement implant

If an infection caused your implant to fall out, your periodontist would treat it first. It takes several months of healing before you can get a new functional implant in many cases.

Schedule an appointment with a periodontist immediately. Remember your options for a second or third opinion on why your dental implant failed. Please do not take any shortcuts to get a replacement dental implant. Allow a skilled periodontist to complete the diagnostic process before accepting treatment.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

 

Could I Have Complications with Extractions and a Hybrid Denture?

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My teeth are so bad that I am thinking about getting the 12remaining ones extracted. Then, I would like implant dentures. I think it would make my life easier. I am reading online about extractions, and some people say that holes left after extractions are sensitive to warm food. Why is that a complication? And my second question is something I read about on Reddit about some people getting extractions and then a hybrid denture. I didn’t explain the explanation on how that type of denture works. Will you explain, please? Thank you—Nellie from Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Nellie,

Thank you for your questions.

Complications After Tooth Extractions

Your recovery after tooth extractions should be progressive. Complications after tooth extractions can result from these factors:

  • Exposed tooth roots on nearby teeth
  • Smoking before or after extractions
  • Failure to finish prescribed antibiotics
  • Failure to follow post-surgery instructions closely

Tooth sockets are sensitive and swollen after extraction. If your sockets become sensitive to warm food, it may be due to an exposed root of a neighboring tooth. Mild sensitivity may not be a severe problem, but your doctor should check it. Persistent irritation can lead to infection. When an issue occurs, you should contact your periodontist right away to report it.

What Is a Hybrid Denture?

Upper hybrid denture - implant dentureA hybrid denture is an arch of replacement teeth supported by dental implants instead of resting on your gums. Hybrid dentures do not cover the palate or roof of your mouth. Your denture will screw onto dental implants, and only your dentist or periodontist can remove the denture. Your periodontist will surgically place four to six implants in your jawbone. After several months of healing, your dentist will attach your custom denture to the implants. Meanwhile, you will wear a temporary denture.

What Are the Advantages of a Hybrid Denture?

A hybrid denture has several advantages, including:

  • Comfort – Implants—not your gums—will support the denture. So, you do not have to worry about them making your gums or bone sore.
  • Easy hygiene – You will brush the denture while it is in your mouth instead of removing it to clean.
  • Better function – It is easier and enjoyable to speak, talk, and socialize when you know your denture is solid and stable and will not slip, click, or fall out.
  • Long lasting – Your dental implants can last a lifetime, but you will need to replace the dentures attached to them. If you get quality dentures, they will last five to eight years.

If you are interested in a hybrid denture, schedule a consultation with a periodontist. After an exam, the specialist will explain whether your teeth are savable and discuss treatment options.

 

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

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