After five months of struggling, two of my five dental implants failed. After my two-month checkup, my dentist said that two implants did not have enough bone to survive. He recommended removing the implants and waiting a few months before a bone graft procedure. I let my dentist remove the implants but have not returned to the office because I need time to think. I know I cannot leave spaces between my teeth too long, but who can I trust? I had no problem seeing a dentist before this episode, but now I am anxious. Did the implants fail because I didn’t have enough bone volume, or was there another problem? Thank you. Shem from Thousand Oaks, CA
Shem,
We are sorry about your frustrating experience.
A periodontist (teeth, gums, and implant specialist) takes a 3-D CT scan before developing a dental implant treatment plan. The 3-D CT scan shows whether you have enough bone volume for implants and require removal.
Did Your Dental Implants Fail Due to Low Bone Volume?
The only way to identify the cause of your dental implant failure is to get a second opinion and a 3-D CT scan. A periodontist must complete these steps:
- Scan your mouth using 3-D cone beam imaging
- Determine whether your dentist placed implants in areas of low bone volume
- Explain whether you need bone grafting for new dental implants
Whom Can You Trust to Resolve Failed Dental Implants?
You can trust periodontists because they have two to three years of specialized dental implant planning and placement training. They are trained to successfully plan for and place dental implants.
According to an article in the Journal of Applied Oral Science, an implant dentist should tailor your treatment plan according to all relevant variables when a dental implant fails.
Your anxiety is understandable. Although you may not have required sedation during past appointments, it can help you relax during treatment. Without treatment, your oral health will decline as missing teeth cause jawbone shrinkage and misalignment.
How to find a periodontist
Schedule a consultation with a periodontist (gum, teeth, and implant specialist) for dental implant failure
Before selecting a periodontist to resolve the failure of your two dental implants, we encourage you to consider the following suggestions:
- Look for two or three providers in your area.
- Schedule consultations.
- Take notes and compare their credentials and how they will tailor your treatment plan.
Best wishes for a smooth resolution and recovery.
Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.
