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?
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.