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Archives for April 2023

Does Bleeding Around My Dental Implant Mean It’s Failing?

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I got two dental implants in late January. Two days ago, I saw slight bleeding around one of the implants. Yesterday, I saw no bleeding, but today I noticed it again. Both times, the bleeding occurred while I was brushing my teeth. I did not brush the implants, though. I use a Waterpik around them. I am worried because I live in MD but am in NJ taking my turn for caregiving for my father. I am concerned that I might be experiencing dental implant failure and will have to find a dentist here that I don’t know. Could something else be wrong other than complete failure? Thank you. Kaleb

Kaleb,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Pumphrey’s office in Atlanta regarding bleeding around your dental implant. We understand your concerns, especially if you are far from your regular dentist. Dr. Pumphrey must examine and x-ray your implant for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will provide information on bleeding around an implant.

Does Bleeding Around an Implant Mean That It’s Failing?

Dental implant with crown, abutment, and artificial root labeled, for information on bleeding around dental implants from Atlanta periodontist Dr. Pumphrey

Schedule an appointment with a periodontist if you see bleeding around a dental implant

Bleeding around a dental implant is not a sign of dental implant failure within two to three days after surgery. However, if it has been over a week since your dental implant surgery and you notice bleeding around an implant, contact your dentist to report the concern. Even if you are traveling, your dentist may be able to refer you to a periodontist (dental implant specialist) near your current location. Otherwise, search online for an experienced periodontist, checking the doctor’s credentials and patient reviews.

What Are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

Signs and symptoms of dental implant failure include the following:

  • Gum or bone infection around the implants
  • Loose implants
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Pain around the dental implants
  • Frequent bleeding

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

According to a September 2021 article in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, three reasons for dental implant failure include the following:

  • Peri-implantitis. Gum disease around dental implants destroys gum tissue and bone, causing implants to fail.
  • Parafunctional habits. Nail-biting, teeth grinding, or other oral habits can stress and loosen dental implants.
  • Osseointegration failure. Lack of quality jawbone will prevent the bone from locking with your dental implants.

The article says that you can improve the success rate of your dental implants by providing thorough medical and dental histories. The details will help your implant dentist anticipate potential challenges.

Dental Implant Complications While Traveling

If you experience dental implant complications while traveling, call your dentist. If your dentist cannot refer you to a local specialist, look for an experienced periodontist in the area for a prompt appointment.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

Why Do His Dentures Keep Popping Out?

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My dad is 73. He had so many teeth problems that my mom and sister convinced him to get dentures. Now he has more problems with his dentures than his teeth. He could eat corn on the cob and steak before, but now he is afraid to eat anything that requires a lot of chewing. His dentures keep getting loose or popping out. No matter how often the dentist has tried to refit or reline them, they just aren’t working. What can he do about this? Will he need new dentures? Alan

Alan –

We understand your and your father’s concerns. Eating should be enjoyable, and so many social events involve eating. When dentures don’t fit correctly, they affect a person’s quality of life.

Why Do Dentures Pop Out?

When a denture repeatedly pops out, it could be that a dentist made a mistake while taking the impressions of your dad’s mouth. In that case, the dentures will not fit correctly. A dentist may need to take new images of your father’s mouth and order new dentures.

Some dentists use a two-step impression technique for dentures:

  • A rigid material captures the first impression.
  • Fluid material captures fine details of the patient’s mouth.

How Can You Prevent Dentures from Popping Out?

An upper implant-supported denture, available in Atlanta from Pumphrey Periodontics

Upper implant-supported denture

Dental implants can prevent dentures from popping out. Many people have difficulty wearing dentures that are not stabilized with dental implants. A periodontist will surgically place dental implants in the jawbone. After a healing period, a dentist can attach dentures to the implants.

Your father’s dentures will fit and feel better and won’t slip around and pop out. Two to six dental implants can prevent the dentures from popping out. Stability increases with the number of implants.

Schedule an appointment with a periodontist or a dental implant specialist. The doctor will take necessary precautions to ensure the implants are in the optimal position for comfort and longevity.

 

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

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