Failing Implants

Dental Implant 101

Dental implants are increasingly popular options for missing teeth. The implant is a titanium post placed into your jaw that serves as a substitute for a tooth root, with the tooth crown placed on top. Many dental implants are long term solutions, but as more implants are placed, there are more cases of dental implants that fail. Experts estimate between 3-20% of implants fail. What happens when a dental implant fails?

PERI-IMPLANT DISEASE MIMICS PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Implants themselves can’t become diseased but the tissue around implants can become infected. Just as periodontal disease (gum disease) starts with minor inflammation that progresses if not treated, peri-implant disease starts as peri-mucosititis (minor inflammation around the implant). If left untreated, the inflammation continues until the bone around the implant erodes and the implant becomes loose. Initial inflammation could be due to existing periodontal bacteria, or due to foreign materials. When the crown of the implant is bonded to the base, small bits of the cement bonding may get stuck between the implant and gum line.

Signs/Symptoms of Moderate-Advanced Peri-Implantitis

SWELLING IN THE GUMS

IMPLANT MOBILITY

BLEEDING GUMS

CHANGE IN GUM COLOR SURROUNDING IMPLANT

HIGH GUM SENSITIVITY

IMPLANT EXPOSURE (GUM RECESSION PREVENTS ADHERENCE TO THE IMPLANT OR CROWN SURFACE)

MILD TO SEVERE PAIN AROUND IMPLANT SITE

EXCRETION OF PUS FROM THE IMPLANTS SURROUNDING TISSUES

WHEN GOOD IMPLANTS GO BAD

LANAP protocol inventor Robert H. Gregg II, DDS urges the dental community to consider all options before recommending and placing dental implants.

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Treatment Options

LAPIP TREATMENT
LAPIP is a laser treatment option that focuses on eliminating the infection around the implant and treating the underlying causes affecting the health of both the bone and implant. A fiber, the width of 3 human hairs, is inserted between the implant and the gum. Laser energy kills the bacteria, vaporizes cement, and stimulates stem cells found in your bone to reduce the infection and promote healing.

ALTERNATIVE SURGICAL OPTION
A scalpel is used to cut the gum and flap back the tissue. The implant is cleaned and foreign materials may be placed in the area to help promote bone growth, then the tissue is sewn back together.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During Treatment

LAPIP treatment focuses on eliminating the infection around the implant. If the implant is very loose, it may be splinted to adjacent teeth. It is very common for patients to quickly resume normal activities or return to work.

The First Few Days

The first few days following the LAPIP protocol you may experience mild soreness of the treated areas- generally alleviated with Ibuprofen. The gum tissues around the implant may appear slightly discolored. Splints may be fabricated to stabilize and immobilize the implant. It is important that you wear these splints as instructed to promote healing. Expect to have your bite adjusted during visits several times over the coming months; this is very important for healing.

Do not brush or floss for the first 7-10 days after treatment.
Follow a soft diet as recommended by your treating dentist.
Do not smoke. Smoking interferes with the healing process by impairing the body’s defense mechanisms.

Cost of LAPIP Treatment

Not two patients or customized dental treatments are alike, so the number of appointments, procedure length, and cost varies accordingly. Consult with your LAPIP specialist for your treatment plan and costs.