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Is my dental implant failing?

Last Updated: Jan 05, 2016

I am about 9 months post-op from a dental implant. The first implant I had installed failed due to insufficient bone height. The current implant was done by a periodontist with concurrent sinus lift/grafting. The crown etc were placed after 6 months healing. Recently, the tooth has become sore to chew with (1 or 2 days ). I have been scrupulous with gentle flossing around the graft twice daily with the dental tape crossed. Are these signs that the implant failing? Is there a greater chance of failure for a 2nd implant after the first one has failed?

7 Comments on Is my dental implant failing?

DrT

01/05/2016

A current x-ray is necessary to even begin to offer an opinion. The symptoms you are experiencing are of definite concern. It is possible that the implant is loose, and it is possible that the crown or one of the components of the implant is loose; the treatment is very different for each scenario. The previous failure of the first implant is also of concern especially if there was any residual infection in this site which was not totally eliminated prior to the placement of the second implant. I would strongly urge you to see the periodontist who placed the second implant immediately

Melissa

01/05/2016

Thank you. I will make an appointment I was hoping I was being paranoid.

David Levitt

01/05/2016

The literature does show evidence that a patient with one failure is more likely to get another one. Be that as it may I have done hundreds of successful retreats. My concern in your case is the 6 month time frame. How long did they wait after the initial failure to do the new implant? Was a graft placed at the time of the initial failure? In other words was it six months plus plus?

Melissa

01/05/2016

I will try to be clearer. The first implant was placed Dec 2014 with the healing abutment placed about 3 months later. There was evidence of gum growing down beside. This was dealt with and about 6 months later the crown was placed. The implant failed about November 2014 and was removed. The 2nd implant was performed in April 2015. The implant was placed at the same time as the sinus lift and bio-osseous graft. Healing was uncomplicated and the crown prep etc went ahead 6 months later. The process was over about November 2015. The discomfort has been present about 5 - 7 days.

Richard Hughes, DDS, FAAI

01/05/2016

There are several possible reasons. Every thing from hyperocclusion, cusp inclines that are to steep, immature bone, bruxing/clenching and infection. Radiographs and photographs would be a great help. The use of a night guard is essential.

Melissa Symonds

01/07/2016

Thank you. I have an appointment next week and will hopefully get some answers.

Sam

06/04/2020

Agree with Dr. Hughs

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