Question:
I had an extraction and an implant placed the same day. Now after waiting 4 months for healing, I have severe bone loss around the implant and the top of the implant is exposed. What can I do?
Answer:
As a general rule, if the bone loss is minimal, you can restore a dental implant or try to graft around it by decontaminating the implant surface with chemical agents or laser energy. In our office we use the waterlase laser for implant surface decontamination. But if the bone loss is moderate or severe, it is recommended to remove the implant and then come back at a later time when the tissues have healed and place a new implant. The new implant should heal covered by the soft tissues uneventfuly and can be restored 4 to 5 months later.
Trying to save the implant by decontaminating the surface may sound appealing, but it is not a predictable procedure, so if your dentist is suggesting removing the implant and starting over, it might be the best thing to do.
Implant Dentist in West Palm Beach
Carlos Boudet, DDS DICOI
1840 Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 204
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
Phone: Call 561-968-6022
Website: http://www.boudetdds.com
Blog: http://www.mywestpalmbeachdentist.blogspot.com
Spanish Website: http://www.palmbeachdentist.net
