Implanted supported bridge not feeling secure: what is the normal progression?

Last Updated: May 16, 2013

I had a Implant Supported Bridge procedure done about 6 months ago on my lower jaw, it involved removing all the teeth and inserted 8 implants and secure with temporarily denture (Immediate load). Four months after the implant for my evaluation my doctor told me I was doing great and only one implant had failed, she removed it and replace it with a non-immediate load implant. The problem is that even after about 6 month I do not feel secure at all with my implants, as I always felt some movements especially on the chewing side, this affect my confident to chew as I am still on very soft diet, I cannot eat food such as apple or even pizza with fear it will cause my implants to fail. My dentist assures me my integration is fine and I am been too cautious, but I have my doubts. I am still using the temporarily denture until the single replacement implant is integrated.

Here are some questions I have:
1. How long does it take for implants to be 100% integrated with the bone?
2. After 6 months what is the expectation on what kind of food I can eat?
3. Is it normal to feel some implant movement when I chew?
4. With implant how to I determine what food is too hard, as I do not have the sensation as natural teeth.
5. With 7 implants that my doctor told me are successful, why is chewing still not feeling secure for me? is this a psychological issue or does it indicate real problem?
Thanks

2 Comments on Implanted supported bridge not feeling secure: what is the normal progression?

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Jack Binder, DDS

05/16/2013

At this stage, integration should have occurred, that is, the implants should be rock-solid. Your dentist should be able to evaluate the integration. If an implant is not integrated, it will probably be painful. If the implants have successfully integrated, then perhaps the temporary prosthesis is loose. That may be the way it was designed, so as not to overload the healing implants. But if that is the situation, the temporary prosthesis can be made more secure on the fully-integrated implants. With seven integrated implants and a proper temporary of final implant-supported restoration, you should feel very secure in chewing almost anything.

Carlos Boudet, DDS DICOI

06/05/2013

I believe that the most important concern you mention is movement. One of the requirements for successful integration of immediately loaded implants is bilateral stabilization for rigidity, as any movement of the prosthesis may allow unwanted forces or movement transmitted to an implant during the time when it tries to fuse to the bone (osseointegration) and generally results in the implant failing. This is probably what happened to the failed implant, and if the cause of the movement is not corrected, it may result in the loss of additional implants. Have your dentist correct the cause of the movement in the denture and if the implants are well integrated, most or all of your other concerns should disappear. Good luck!

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