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Top of Implant visible: Should I worry

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2014

Today is the 8th day since having 2- 12mm X 4.1 placed ( please see my other post regarding two implants side by side , I think I have a better understanding of that now and feel more comfortable although I’ll have some other questions which I’ll post tomorrow hopefully ) On the left implant site it seems like the suture disappeared sooner than expected and the top of the implant is plainly visible when I open my mouth and look at it. It was kinda sorta partially visible when I saw the oral surgeon for a follow up today and he also told me I could wear my cushioned lower partial only no clenching and better to leave it out of my mouth for another week, at least as much as I can. He didn’t say to worry about the partially exposed implant top. I used a little bit of fixodent on the lower denture to hold it in place better as the surgeon also told me I could start to eat soft things with the parial in place. However when I removed it tonight it gave quite a bit of resistence which obviously stung a little as it was detached from the gums especially where the gum was opened to grind the jawbone point down. I noticed at that point the head of the implant, now plainly visible to the eye and don’t know if I should worry or not. The other side is completely covered as the suter held longer. Should I worry? What’s the downside if any as it’s going to be another 3 1/2 months before he determines if they’re good or not although I do have another appointment in a month from now as another follow up. Thank you in advance

3 Comments on Top of Implant visible: Should I worry

Dr. Carlos Boudet

11/25/2015

As Dr. Tischler said, the exposure of the cover screw is usually not a problem, and it happens often when the patient wears a denture that may exert pressure on the soft tissues while they need to heal. Unfortunately not many patients are willing to not use their denture. Swabbing the exposed area with peridex is a good idea. Have your dentist check the denture to adjust for any pressure on the implant sites.Dr. Carlos Boudet

Dr. Michael Tischler

11/25/2015

Hi, An exposed implant is usually not a problem. Unless it is painful or there is puss around it, it should not be a problem. The partial denture is more than likely causing the gum to be pushed away and the denture might need an adjustment. I have my patients swab the exposed area with peridex.Dr. Michael Tischler
I'd like to hear more about your experience. I went for surgery for upper and lower implants. 1 of my upper posts was not exposed after surgery. But other 5 were. The one that was not exposed the surgeon exposed 2 days ago and took a BIG chunk of my gum out. Which I dont understand because he said it was not a big deal to expose the post. Just a small incision. It became a big deal when he stopped 10 minutes into it and just starred at the wall for approx. 15 seconds like he was pissed about something or trying to regain his composure. I looked at the assistant and mouthed the words "whats wrong?". She quickly shook her head and I took that as "just be quiet and wait". Now 2 days later I'm still in pain and wondering if anyone else had to have surgery to expose a covered post implant.

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