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Archives for April 2022

Another Dental Implant Screw Broke

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This is the second time a dental implant screw on my first molar tooth broke. I got the first implant in 2017. I know this is not normal, but the replacement implant broke 8 months ago. Both times, my dentist said he does not know what happened. I had a dental cleaning last week, and my dentist questioned me about any nail biting or teeth grinding habits I have because he doesn’t want to see another implant break. I am concerned about my dentist’s behavior and want to switch dentists. Is it possible that he sees signs that the new implant is weakening? Why is this happening? Thanks. Hewitt from San Diego

Hewitt,

Thank you for contacting our office.

What Causes a Dental Implant Screw to Break?

When a dental implant screw breaks your dentist may be using cheap implants or stress on the implant may be the culprit. The implant screw will break if the biting force on it is too intense.

Other factors include:

  • Implant quality – If your dentist uses cheap implants or an inappropriate size, it cannot withstand the force of chewing or biting.
  • Implant location – Implants must be placed precisely to balance the forces of everyday function and wear.
  • Dental crown – An incorrectly seated implant crown may contribute to undue stress on the implant.
  • Bone quality – If a dentist places an implant in low bone volume or poor-quality bone, the implant screw may break.
Dental implants with separated parts, then in the bone and fasted together

Well-placed, quality dental implants do not break

Although your dentist may be willing to replace your implant, it is best to determine why they break. Repeat dental implant failure is unacceptable. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dental implant specialist to examine and evaluate your implant, bite, and crown. A 3-D CT scan will help the specialist determine if your bone volume, implant location, or other factors cause the implants to break.

Your dental implant may have a warranty. Each dentist has a warranty policy. If you are not aware of one, check with your dentist’s office about it, and ask what he can arrange to ensure he does not bill you for repair costs.

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

Are All-On-4 Implants Removable?

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I had consultations with two dentists who recommend All-on-4 implants. Recently, I saw a third dentist who recommended six to eight implants because I would get better coverage for bone stimulation, and my denture would be locked in place. But more implants might mean that I need a bone graft and have more healing time. If I choose All-on-4 but change my mind, can I get the implants removed and switched to six or eight? – Thank you. Nathan from Augusta

Nathan,

Thank you for your question. You deserve detailed answers that Dr. Pumphrey could provide only after an examination and reviewing the 3-D CT scan of your oral anatomy. We recommend that you ask each implant dentist for more details about their proposed treatment. However, we will answer your question in general.

Are All-on-4 Implants Removable?

diagram of all-on-four dental implantsAll-on-4 implants are a fixed overdenture attached to four dental implants. Only a periodontist or specialist can remove the denture. And only a periodontist or specialist can remove the implants. A periodontist or specialist can review your 3-D CT scan and explain options for increasing the number of implants to support your denture. But you do not want a doctor to remove healthy implants. And you will not need to remove All-on-4 implants to increase to six or eight implants.

Increasing from All-on-4 to All-on-6 or 8

If you want to increase from All-on-4 to six or eight implants, a specialist will review your 3-D CT scan to determine whether you have enough bone volume to support implants. If you do not, the periodontist will recommend bone grafting. A bone graft can take three to six months to heal before it is ready to support implants.

Before choosing how many implants you want to support a denture, consult with a periodontist, and ask questions about what it would take to place six to eight implants now versus later. Also, ask about implant stability with four versus six to eight implants.

The following factors may affect your decision:

  • You may need bone grafting before you can get more implants.
  • You will have three to six months of healing after bone grafting and three to four months of recovery after implant surgery.
  • After surgery to get more implants, you must resume a soft-food diet again.
  • If you decide to get six to eight implants, delaying the process will cost more time and money.

Please write down your questions and concerns before a consultation with a periodontist and take the time to weigh them carefully.

 

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

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