Lingual Gingival Margin Receding Exposing Implant: What Can I Do?

Last Updated: Jan 14, 2010

Dr. HL, a general dentist asks:
I placed a Straumann implant in the maxillary central incisor position 7.5 years prior. The surgical placement and restoration were uneventful. Now the lingual gingival margin has receded exposing the implant. This is not an aesthetic problem because it is on the lingual. Is there anything I can do to prevent further recession on the lingual? Should I be concerned about this recession as it is not in an aesthetic area? Will this compromise the survival of this implant in the long run?

4 Comments on Lingual Gingival Margin Receding Exposing Implant: What Can I Do?

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sb oral surgeon

06/14/2010

If it's the polished transmucosal ( Straumann standard - standard plus implant) portion, I wouldn't worry about it. Does it probe anywhere? A palatal recession in this scenario is next to impossible to fix with grafting techniques so I wouldn't bother. Just explain to the patient what is happening, have them "keep it extra clean", and monitor. The implant probably was placed slightly to the palate in the first place as is often done with anterior cases. Odds are the implant will be just fine.

LD Singer

06/15/2010

I agree with above comment. If there is no inflammation or probing leave alone. Get patient to ude peridex and have 3 month follow-up

New begining

06/22/2010

what if the recession was lingually to the implant with exposed threads in the position of lower first molar? soft tissue graft only? or titanium mesh and bone graft?

Dr. Jigar Gala

06/22/2010

I agree with the previous comments. Just leave the site as it is and let the nature do its job. Ask the patient to keep the area extra clean and monitor the patient regularly. Also have you taken any IOPA to check the bone level? Since it is a polished collar, it should not be a problem for plaque accumulation.

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